The Bible gives us a picture in Psalm 85:10a:“Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness…”
These words describe a divine balance, a union between qualities that seem to contradict one another.
How can mercy, which withholds punishment, and truth, which demands justice, possibly come together?
Mercy: A Reflection of God’s Compassion
Mercy is one of God’s most incredible qualities. It is the kindness and compassion He shows toward those who deserve punishment. Mercy is when God spares us from what we rightfully deserve.
The Bible repeatedly demonstrates God’s mercy. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us, “It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”
God’s mercy is so great that every day He offers us new opportunities, continually showing us patience and forgiveness.
God’s mercy is more than just withholding judgment—it is active love toward sinners. He forgives our sins and offers salvation through His Som even though we deserve the opposite.
Without mercy, none of us could stand before God.
Truth: The Foundation of God’s Word
Truth, on the other hand, represents the unchanging nature of God’s standards and justice. It is the foundation of His Word. Jesus said in John 17:17, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”
Truth is what reveals God’s will, shows us our sin, and calls for justice. Unlike mercy, which spares, truth
exposes and holds us accountable.
God’s truth cannot be compromised or bent. It demands justice, righteousness, and obedience. This presents a dilemma—how can God, who is just and true, overlook sin and extend mercy?
The Contradiction: Mercy and Truth in Conflict?
At first glance, mercy and truth appear to be in conflict. Mercy desires to forgive and offer grace, while truth demands righteousness and judgment. How can a just God extend mercy without violating His own truth? Shouldn’t truth expose and punish sin? After all, God’s holiness requires sin to be dealt with.
This is where the tension between mercy and truth becomes apparent.
The Meeting Place: Jesus Christ
This apparent contradiction is perfectly resolved in the person of Jesus Christ. In Him, mercy and truth meet together. Jesus is both the embodiment of God’s truth and the extension of His mercy.
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). He is the truth that reveals God’s nature and exposes sin. At the same time, He is also the means by which God extends mercy. Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus took on the punishment that truth demands. In doing so, He made a way for us to receive the mercy of God.
Romans 3:26 says that through Jesus, God can be “just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” This means that God’s justice is satisfied because Christ bore the penalty for our sin, and His mercy is extended to us because Jesus took our place. He did not compromise the truth; instead, He fulfilled it. Through His death and resurrection, mercy and truth are perfectly balanced.
Conclusion: Mercy and Truth in Harmony
The union of mercy and truth is one of the greatest demonstrations of God’s wisdom and love. Through Christ, we see how these two seemingly opposite qualities meet without contradiction. Jesus is both the truth, revealing God’s holiness and justice, and the mercy, offering forgiveness to all who believe in Him.
Psalm 85:10 is a reminder that God’s plan for salvation is perfect. In Jesus, mercy and truth work together to bring about our redemption. As believers, we can rest in the fact that God’s mercy covers us, and His truth guides us. Both are essential to our walk with Him.
In Christ, mercy and truth are not in conflict—they are in perfect harmony.
