Justice takes place when you get what you deserve. In contrast, mercy is not getting what you deserve. So how can God be completely just and completely merciful at the same time? If He is just, giving you what you deserve, then how can He be merciful and not give you what you deserve?

We have trouble understanding this because we think about everything in parts. Your body and your mind have parts, but God doesn’t have parts. God is one, but He’s multifaceted. It is similar to how a diamond has many facets, but it is still essentially one. God is not at war with Himself. No characteristic of God is greater than any other. One characteristic does not lead for a while and then another one steps in to lead. His characteristics are all fully present and fully active at all times.

But even though all of God’s attributes are equal, at certain times you may feel that you need some more than others. The truth is that apart from God’s justice, His mercy wouldn’t be all that it is. God’s justice declared you not guilty, and God’s mercy sent Jesus to the cross. You are saved not just because of His mercy but also because of His justice. If Jesus did not die, then you could not live. You are going to heaven, not just because of God’s mercy, but also because of His justice. You stood before the Judge and because Jesus was sentenced to die, you were sentenced to live. Are you thankful for God’s justice as well as His mercy?