This past Sunday a consistent theme found in both our children and youth lessons was the importance of recognizing and communicating all the attributes and the entire message of God. Often times half truths are communicated that mislead the hearer, which results in him or her believing something that is fictitious. An important truth about half truths is that they fail to communicate the truth.Last night, one of our students asserted that there are two different half truths that are often times communicated when one is explaining the character of God. One extreme emphasizes the justice of God and His wrath. Author Thomas Williams stated, “(Some) might see God as highly demanding, strict, and judgmental, giving us a list of rigid rules and watching us through surveillance cameras with a frown on his face as he records every misdeed in a thick book.” This is not, however, the God of the Scriptures. The psalmist affirms, “If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness” (Psalm 130:3-4).
The opposite extreme solely emphasizes His mercy and grace. Many pastors have stated openly that they avoid preaching about sin and condemnation to focus exclusively upon God’s unconditional love. Although it is not a popular topic of discussion, God’s promise of judgment is also prevalent in His word. The Lord clearly affirms, “You say, ‘I am innocent; surely his anger has turned from me.’ Behold, I will bring you to judgment” (Jeremiah 2:35).
Some might ask, “Since God is both just and merciful what determines how He will act toward each individual?” To understand God’s actions, one must understand His message. During Kids’ Church I told the story of Jonah and made the point that God’s message of good news contains some bad news. I instructed our children that they must accept the bad with the good. Jonah informed the Ninevites that God’s judgment would come if they didn't turn from their wicked ways. Because they repented, God forgave them and showed them mercy. God offers forgiveness and restoration to a repentant person. He makes a promise to Solomon and the Jewish people that apply to us today. He says, “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
