Are you too merciful, or too just? Psalm 99-101

Psalms 101:1 (NASBStr)

 I will sing of lovingkindness and justice,

To You, O Lord, I will sing praises.

When David wrote this Psalm he expresses in the first lines one of the most basic and important truths to the theology and ethic of the Bible.  He plainly states that God is both, at the same time (with no conflict) a gracious, merciful God, with a never wavering compromise of justice.  He expresses his desire to go throughout his day in a state of singing for this key aspect of God's character.   The Hebrew word in the above verse, for lovingkindness, is "checed".   Perhaps there is not a better explanation of the word than what was penned by W.E.Vine, years ago:

The Septuagint nearly always renders checed with eleos (“mercy”), and that usage is reflected in the New Testament. Modern translations, in contrast, generally prefer renditions close to the word “grace.” kjv usually has “mercy,” although “loving- kindness” (following Coverdale), “favor,” and other translations also occur. rsv generally prefers “steadfast love.” niv often offers simply “love.”

In general, one may identify three basic meanings of the word, which always interact:“strength,” “steadfastness,” and “love.” Any understanding of the word that fails to suggest all three inevitably loses some of its richness. “Love” by itself easily becomes sentimentalized or universalized apart from the covenant. Yet “strength” or “steadfastness” suggests only the fulfillment of a legal or other obligation.

The word refers primarily to mutual and reciprocal rights and obligations between the parties of a relationship (especially Yahweh and Israel). But checed is not only a matter of obligation; it is also of generosity. It is not only a matter of loyalty, but also of mercy. The weaker party seeks the protection and blessing of the patron and protector, but he may not lay absolute claim to it. The stronger party remains committed to his promise, but retains his freedom, especially with regard to the manner in which he will implement those promises. Checed implies personal involvement and commitment in a relationship beyond the rule of law.

The fact that God is BOTH merciful and just is something to sing about.  That is David's refrain.   We tend to lean, as individual believers, on one side or the other.  Some are too, too merciful, always forgiving and never just.   Some are way too just and never forgiving.   The key in the Christian walk is to sing of these two with our lips and practice them in our walk.   Allowing the Spirit of God to work that out in our faith is the key to find perfect balance.   Sing of His character today: Mercy and Justice.