Mercy.

"Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him."  John 3:17 (NRSV) 

Jesus said: "'for I came not to judge the world , but to save the world.'"  John 12:47 (NRSV)

And so Jesus' crusade was a Mission of Mercy.

He will not return to judge the world.

His purpose and his method was mercy and forgiveness.

How many times did Jesus say: "'your sins are forgiven.'"  Mark 2:5 (NRSV)

How many times did he tell of the master writing off debts. (Matthew 18:27, Luke 7:42) 

He said: "'You judge by human standards, I judge no one.'"  John 8:15 (NRSV)

And: "'The Father judges no one.'"  John 5:22 (NRSV)

Jesus' mission reflects the Mercy of God.

It is inevitable that we will make mistakes.

And others will make mistakes also.

And so if we are forgiven so God will forgive others.

No one will perish.

So there can be no hell.

All are forgiven.

"Peace on Earth and goodwill to all."  Luke 2:14

[Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christi in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.]

Photo Credit: Shared.