God’s mercy was well exemplified in the life of the apostle Paul. Before Paul was converted, he bore the name Saul and zealously persecuted those who followed Jesus (Acts 8:3).
As he was traveling to Damascus to find Christians to persecute, Saul was met by Jesus who asked, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9:4). Saul learned that he had been living in sin. He learned what he needed to do to be forgiven, and then did it. Because of Saul’s repentance and choice to obey God, the grace of God was extended to him.
When Paul looked back on this, he realized that he was undeserving of God’s mercy (1 Tim. 1:15-16).
In his letter to the Romans, Paul pointed out that we have all done things that make us undeserving of God’s mercy. Romans 3:23: For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;
No matter what an individual has done in the past, though, he or she can be forgiven by God through obedience.
Those who reject such a gift will be greatly disappointed on the Day of Judgment. Those who accept God’s mercy have reason to always rejoice for such a wonderful gift.
– Michael Hickox