For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:13 (NKJV)
I’ve been digging into the NKJV lately and I love that way it phrases some of the languages and nuances of the Bible. I especially love this line in James 2:13 “…mercy triumphs over judgement.”
Something deep within the human soul, I think motivated by sin-nature, wants to point out and highlight sin in people’s lives. Christians are no exception. God has not called us to be a moral police-force but a light of hope in a lost, dark and depraved humanity.
Sometimes we get that light confused with that of a policeman’s torch which is intent on highlighting the wrong-doings of a guilty party when in fact, the light of hope is like a a hurricane lamp, guiding the lost through a dark, cold and stormy night to the safety and warmth of Gods loving arms.
The policeman’s torch reflects an authority given by position – instantly relegating that of the offending party below it. The hurricane lamp speaks of compassion and servitude – looking, longing and trusting for the lost party to find truth through their own journey. Keeping the light in sight so as to lead into the folds of the Almighty light – Jesus. Knowing that this is another lost lamb, valued with the highest price of a loving Father. The same price paid for you and I.
Mercy is not removing the consequences for someone who abuses or violates you (or anyone else) BUT it is the understanding that they have as much value before the Father as every single person on this planet, and then affording them that. Seeing them fulfilled in the potential God has graced each one of us with.
It means showing love, patience, forgiveness and gentleness when every justification in your heart and mind affords them not worthy of it. This ignites the flame in that hurricane lamp and the choice becomes theirs to walk into the light, rather than have it thrust upon them highlighting all they have done wrong and further perpetuate guilt and shame.
Mercy does and will always triumph over judgement!
You are blessed…