We all have done something we regret. Or even to take it to the next level, we all have done something we deserved a strong consequence for. But imagine on a cosmic level standing before a powerful and perfect God, holding in your hands all the things you’ve ever done wrong. The thought itself is frightening, the impending punishment.
Now imagine God saying as you stand there, “You’re forgiven and will not receive any punishment for your sins.” This is mercy. This is stunning kindness. Paul encourages Timothy in his 1st letter to him that God shows us mercy even when we weren’t looking for it, and mercy changes everything.