There are passages in the Bible that encourage us, build us up, inspire us, and keep us going through difficult times. Then, there are others that instill fear and reverence for the Lord. Passages like, “For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries” (Heb. 10:26-27). There is a passage out of the book of James that makes me reflect and weigh my choices carefully. Here is why.
The passage reads, “So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment” (Jas. 2:12-13). You may read this and think it benign, but it is both beautiful and deadly. The danger in this passage is in our nature to desire mercy but deal out judgement. In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, He had this to say about the merciful: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” (Matt. 5:7). He taught against the harsh judgement of the religious hierarchy of His day. “Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” (Matt. 7:1-3). Even the parable of the wicked servant highlights this concept with vivid imagery. “Then summoning him, his lord said to him, ‘You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?’ And his lord, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him” (Matt. 18:32-34).
So how do I faithfully apply “mercy triumphs over judgement” in my life? First, we need to show mercy whenever we can. Think of it like planting a garden. I will sow the seeds of mercy in the soil of this life that I might reap the harvest of mercy in the next. Second, we need to maintain a balance as in all things. There are actions that people take to which they must be held accountable. We can’t show mercy and forgiveness to someone continuing in sin. “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?” (Rom. 6:1-2).
The concept of mercy and judgment causes me to reflect carefully because it is easy to practice harsh judgement. It is not easy to forgive and be merciful. I want mercy and I need grace so I must give it. Carefully consider your dealings with those around you. Are you showing mercy?