How do we know God's judgment is merciful?

In understanding God's judgment as merciful, we see that it serves a purpose: to instruct and correct His people. Every act of judgment is aimed at ultimately preserving and teaching what is good for His children. This reflects God's character as both holy and loving. For example, David experienced God's judgment when he fell into sin, yet through that judgment, he was brought to repentance and deeper understanding of God's mercy. Thus, what may appear as punitive often serves to enlighten and restore, leading believers progressively to reliance on Christ, who embodies both mercy and justice.