Keep Your Integrity! - Have a Right View of God's Mercy

THE doctor was kind and very concerned. According to his best judgment, his patiently desperately needed an operation  in order to save her life.  When she hesitated and raised the matter of blood transfusions, he was surprised. When she explained that for religious reasons she could not consent to an operation that  involved a blood transfusion, he was thunderstruck.  He racked his brains for a way to help her.  Finally,  he thought he had found one. He said:  "You know, if  you don't accept a blood transfusion, you'll die.  You don't want that, do you?" 

"Of course not," said the patient.

"But, seemingly, if you accept one, you will go against your religious beliefs, which are also important to you.  Well, here is my suggestion. Why not accept a blood transfusion and thus save your life. Then confess to God that you have sinned, and repent.  In that way, you will be restored in your religion also." 

The well-meaning doctor thought he had found the perfect answer. He was aware that his patient believed in a merciful God. Surely, this was a proper occasion to take advantage of God's mercy!  But  was his suggestion as reasonable as it sounded? 

Next time: Have a Right View of God's Mercy - Do We Ever Reason Like This?

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