Five Simple Steps for an Extraordinary New YearSample

Love Mercy

Another step toward an exceptional new year is to "love mercy," or to "love kindness." This is another very specific guideline God has given us for how to live our lives. This is explicitly and succinctly stated in Micah 6:8 but is implicitly communicated to us through the character of God. One of the most incredible and unique things about God is that He is a God of absolute justice and complete mercy. God is infinitely kind. His kindness is not limited to only those who are seeking Him, as the scripture says that it is the kindness of God that leads or draws us to repentance.

It seems to us that justice and mercy are opposite ends of an "either/or" proposition. Either one can be just, or one can be merciful, but to act in accordance with justice and with mercy (where you don't get what you deserve, but whatever is in your best interest) is impossible. This seems even more true for God, who is always and completely just and always and completely merciful. Still, the cross shows us that complete mercy and justice can co-exist. The penalty for every sin was paid in full at the cross, satisfying perfect justice. Since God took our sin and paid for it Himself, we received mercy. Justice and mercy were fully satisfied at the cross.

In a similar fashion, we are not only to act justly toward others but also to love mercy so that we will exhibit kindness toward others. We apply justice to our behavior and offer mercy in our relationship with others. It is not an easy thing to do, but it is something that will make for an exceptional life!