Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment: Part 2 – The Very Heart of God
"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him." – Luke 15:20 (ESV)
A story: I once met two business contacts who admitted they had no idea who God truly was. When I shared the story of the prodigal son and described the loving father, I explained that this is what God is like—the father in the story. They nodded in agreement, realizing that God is a merciful God, contrary to the common misperception that He is harsh and judgmental.
The story of the prodigal son reveals the very heart of God. When the father sees his son from a distance, he is "filled with compassion" (Greek: splagchnizomai). This word describes a deep, gut-level emotion—like the Chinese saying "good heart-intestine" (心腸)—symbolizing tender, visceral mercy.
Imagine if the father had greeted his son with a cold face, harsh words, or punishment. That would reflect hardness. Instead, compassion moves the father to outward action: he runs, embraces, and kisses his son. He forgives as though the sin had never happened, withholding the judgment his son deserved. Mercy triumphs over judgment by bringing restoration, not condemnation.
This is the heart of our heavenly Father. Even when we like the prodigal son, stray and live in the "pigpen" of the world, God runs to us the moment we return. His mercy is relentless, forgiving, and restorative. It’s not just sympathy—it’s a prompt, active response. The very heart of God always desires to love, restore, and give us chance after chance.
To Love Mercy:
Is there someone who has hardened your heart? Pray and ask God to fill you with His tender mercy. Forgive quickly and take a step toward restoring the relationship, just as God forgives and restores us.
Prayer:
Thank You for Your mercy that triumphs over judgment. Help me to understand the depth of Your merciful heart—the very heart of who You are. Empower me to forgive and restore those who have hurt me, just as You forgive and restore me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
