Mercy

 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.
Romans 9:18 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.9.18.ESV

Many people struggle with the idea that God hardens people against Himself. Why would He do such a thing? Well, by hardening Pharoah, for example, God showcased His glory in delivering His people from slavery in Egypt.

Not even the hardest of hearts can thwart God's purposes. We might be uncomfortable with the idea that God hardens people. But we see hard hearts all around us, should it really surprise us that God hardens people?

If we're more attuned to God, it should be more difficult for us to understand why God would have mercy upon any of us. Considering that we're all naturally hard hearted, why would God bother softening any of us to His mercy? He owes us nothing.

Too often, we have a sense of entitlement when it comes to God's mercy. But the very definition of the word is undeserved kindness. We're not entitled to God's love at all. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

'Father God, we acknowledge Your right to show mercy or to harden whoever You like. May we submit to Your sovereignty, and receive Your mercy, through Christ Jesus our Lord, amen'

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