In Christianity today, there seems to be the overwhelming idea that God's mercy is him overlooking our faults and not addressing our mistakes.  Mercy to many is the same as getting away with our misdeeds or errors.  Despite what we think about "mercy," I was intrigued to find that the Hebrew word for "mercy" is "chesed." It is Strongs #2617.  Most importantly, this word is spelled with the letters chet (wall), samekh (rod/thorn), and dalet (door).  If we know anything about rods, they are the opposite of staffs.  The fact that a rod is the center pictograph in the ancient Hebrew word for mercy tells me modern-day Christianity has strayed in its understanding.  

Shepherds would use thorns to keeps their flock from straying outside the pasture and the thorns would also keep other animals from killing any of the livestock.  Though the idea of thorn bushes is painful, they were used to teach, discipline, and protect.  A rod is used similarly.

Additionally, Paul was given a thorn in the flesh, this was mercy was a type of mercy that buffeted him and kept him from being puffed up or prideful.  Paul's pride could have done more harm than that "thorn in his side." In God's mercy, he sent a messenger to be a thorn and a rod.  Mercy is "God protecting and correcting his Sons." Jesus said, "I am the door." As we grow in Christ, we will see God's mercy protecting us and correcting us.  God will always chastise those he loves and he will show mercy to those he loves.  Mercy is designed to keep us on the straight and narrow path, this path is the WAY, TRUTH, and LIFE.  If we stray, his mercy will make the crooked path straight again.  Amen...