6By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
I was wondering how these 2 thoughts either parallel or contrast each other:
"By mercy and truth iniquity is purged."
.. talks about the mercy of God and the truth (Jesus) who purged our iniquities
.. it is through the mercy of God and His grace that we are forgiven of our sins
.. through the truth of Christ's redemptive blood, we are saved
"and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil."
.. tells me of man's repentance is due to the fear of the Lord
.. man turns away from evil because he fears God
.. thus, those who don't depart from evil may not have fear of God
.. most of the ones who stay in sin are still consumed by their own desires - works of the flesh
.. those who then depart from evil could be because they revere God in His vast power
How do they go together?
.. God's mercy; fear of God; departing from evil.
This reminds me of Romans 12:1-2:
1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Because of God's mercy and the truth of Christ that saves us from our sins, our response to Him is to depart from evil by [According to Romans 12:1-2]: (1) not conforming to this world, and (2) being transformed by changing the way we think.
BELLE:
I do not deserve the mercies of God and the forgiveness of my sins but because God's mercies and grace is SO GREAT, He gives it to me freely even without asking something in return; I can never pay Him back. The last I can do is to walk with Him in the pattern of His will. To please Him with my life and to fear Him [to revere Him and be in awe of Him] all the time.
When I am faced with temptations, I must remember that because God has already forgiven me, I cannot go on entertaining the evil that may come my way. I must shun them away which can be initially done because of my fear of God. I will "enhance" my fear of Him - How? Know who He is more. I wouldn't be in awe if I didn't know anything (or any more) of who I am fearing. I must get to know Him - the mercy giver and the truth bearer, Jesus Christ.
:: Lord, thank You for reminding me of your mercy. I pray that you will remind me of that always. I am in awe of Your greatness and your power to forgive even the worse sinners such as me. I pray that you will guide me through the renewal of my thoughts and me walking with you everyday. Help me to depart from the evils in life - the temptations and the bad choices I make. I pray that you will lead me to do your will and to be able to discern them with every step I take. In Jesus' name, amen.
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