As an athlete, I am familiar with the mercy rule. In softball, the game would be called after 4 1/2 innings if a team was 10 runs ahead. In basketball, if we played a much weaker team, the starters would sit the bench for most of the game allowing fellow teammates valuable playing time, while also not running up the score on the opponent.
“Be merciful just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:36) As Christians, we are to extend mercy to others because God first extended mercy to us. Showing compassion and mercy to those in need: the sick, those in pain, the young, the elderly, the poor, the down and out. Zechariah 7:9b-10 “Judge fairly, and show mercy and kindness to one another. Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor. And do not scheme against each other.”
At the cross, Jesus Himself selflessly gave His life that we may be saved. Taking upon Himself the wrath of God, that we would have a pathway to God. Instead of giving us what we deserve, punishment for our sins, God showed mercy to all mankind by offering His Son as the sacrifice. When we repent of our sins and place our faith and trust in Jesus, we are saved… Saved from what? From eternal separation from God.
God, in His eternal wisdom, did not take the Star Athlete out of the game. No, He said I am going to send my Son so that all who believe in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. God did not run up the score. He did not leave us alone and floundering, trying to work our way back to Him. He offers grace and mercy to all who come to Him.
Lamentations 3:22-23 “The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.”