Notes Notes+KEY Full Service

Teaching Summary

God’s goodness is revealed in both His justice and His mercy. He confronts evil, and His law exposes the sin within every human heart. Yet through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, God provides forgiveness and new life to those who trust Him. His mercy does more than forgive our sin; His Spirit renews us to reflect His goodness.

Because we trust God’s justice and have received His mercy, we can overcome evil with good. We repent of our sins and seek to make things right with those we have wronged. We submit our desire for revenge to Jesus and show mercy to those who sin against us. We also confront wrongdoing and come to the aid of those suffering injustice.

Forgiveness can coexist with boundaries, consequences, and accountability. As we actively submit to Jesus as Lord for the sake of others, the Holy Spirit empowers us to become people who extend mercy and pursue justice.

Talk-it-Over

How does the cross reveal both God’s justice toward sin and His mercy toward sinners? How does that shape your understanding of His goodness?

Titus 3:3–8 reminds us of our former condition and how God has renewed us. How can remembering the mercy you’ve received change your response to someone who has wronged you?

What is the difference between pursuing justice and seeking personal revenge? How can we show mercy while maintaining boundaries and holding someone accountable?

What is one next step you need to take today?

Who do you need to tell about what you’ve learned?

Further Reading

Exodus 34:6–7
Ezekiel 36:25–27
Micah 6:6–8
Luke 19:1–10
Psalm 82:1–4
1 Peter 2:21–25