Why is understanding God's sovereignty in mercy important for Christians?

God's sovereignty in dispensing mercy is a crucial element in the Reformed understanding of salvation. As Romans 9:15 states, 'He saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy,' this emphasizes that mercy is fundamentally a result of God's sovereign choice rather than human effort or worthiness. This doctrine liberates believers from the burden of performance, allowing them to rest in the assurance that their salvation is secured by God’s grace alone, not by any works they could accomplish. The acknowledgment of God's sovereign mercy fosters humility and gratitude, prompting a natural response of worship and obedience. Recognizing that we are recipients of grace, rather than achievers of it, deeply impacts how we interact with God and others, leading us to exhibit mercy in our own relationships.