All of us reading this should have been condemned to hell forever because of our sins. David committed one sin and 70,000 people were killed (2 Sm 24:15). That's how high the wages of sin are and why everlasting hell is just punishment for our sins.

Because of His love for us, the Lord has been rich in mercy (Eph 2:4). Although we have amassed monumental debts of punishment due to our sins, Jesus' death on Calvary has covered them all. He has forgiven us, washed away our sins in His Blood, paid the price for our sins, taken our punishment on Himself, saved us, and redeemed us.

We owe a fantastic debt of gratitude to Jesus. We can never pay this debt, but should try. We should live no longer for ourselves, but for Him (2 Cor 5:15). We must tell everyone about His love and mercy, and praise Him always. Especially, we should extend forgiveness and mercy to those who have hurt us.

After what Jesus has done for us, He expects us to do this. If we who have been forgiven do not forgive others (Mt 18:35; cf Mt 6:14-15), the Lord will ask us: "Should you not have dealt mercifully with your fellow servant, as I dealt with you?" (Mt 18:33) "Should a man refuse mercy to his fellows, yet seek pardon for his own sins?" (Sir 28:4)

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 1, 2011

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