Insecurity can lead to error (Part 2): He who loves a lot is forgiven a lot

SUMMARY: God looks at the heart, not just our actions, and has mercy on those who seek Him even in the midst of their mistakes. King Jehoshaphat's repentant heart caused God to have mercy on him and to mitigate the negative consequences of his disobedient actions, while the ungodly Ahab faced God's judgment. Those who love God and care for His glory have immense reserves of mercy in the day of error or fall, while the indifferent or rebellious face only naked judgment. In His relationship with us, God asks for very little: only to do justice, love mercy, and humble ourselves before Him.

In the previous meditation we saw how King Jehoshaphat's trait of insecurity led him to make disastrous decisions that nearly destroyed his life. In these situations, in the midst of the crises that he himself had brought about, Jehoshaphat sought divine help; and God, in His goodness towards that man who despite his weakness had a straight and sincere heart towards Him, freed him from his predicament.

It is important to underline this fact. Even if our bad decisions — whether caused by sin, ignorance, or weakness — get us into serious trouble, God always has mercy on us if we repent and cry out to Him, especially if our mistakes are made in the context of a seeking life. His glory and is subject to his will.