It was like a kick to the gut….
Hearing that a precious young woman, a family friend, had been sexually assaulted. As I listened to the story unfold, my chest ached with the knowledge of the painful blow that had been dealt, physically and emotionally, to this dear girl and her family too. Aware of the need, I asked if counseling was in the works. Thankfully, it was; however, she had requested a non-Christian counselor because she didn’t want to be “preached at” instead of counseled. This perception of Christians, coming from a young lady who had been raised a believer, deeply grieved my heart.
I asked the Lord, “Why?” “Why do Christians… literally “Christ-like” people… have such a bad reputation in many people’s minds?” Almost immediately, I felt Him say, “My people do not understand that mercy triumphs over judgment.”
Whether we are believers or not, it’s so easy to judge. We look at the car someone drives, the clothes they wear, the way they wear them, the bag they carry, the job they work, the hairstyle they sport, the words they speak… and we judge, sometimes rightly, sometimes not. But when we choose to make judgments, we are setting ourselves up as unauthorized judges instead of effective ambassadors of Kingdom love.
Let’s look at these two versions of James 2:12-13 for deeper perspective on God’s desire for His people.
- So speak, and so act, as those who are to be judged by the law of freedom. For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment. NASB
- So we must both speak and act in every respect like those who are destined to be tried by the perfect law of liberty, and remember that judgment is merciless for the one who judges others without mercy. So by showing mercy you take dominion over judgment! TPT
You and I as believers are judged by the law of freedom. Are you familiar with the law of freedom? This is the law that sets us free: It is the law of love! Matthew 22:37-40 tells us that all the laws are summed up in these two: Love the Lord your God and love your neighbor as yourself! We learn more about the law of love in I John 4:17: Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world [Carriers of love!]. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. (emphasis mine)
When Jesus walked the earth, the people weren’t afraid of Him because love and mercy exuded from Him! He set an amazing example for us! He demonstrated mercy over judgment in His encounters even though He had the right to judge!
- When the adulteress woman sat before Him, He was merciful.
- When a cheating tax collector sought His company, He was merciful.
- When an unclean woman touched His clothing, He was merciful.
- When approached by the lame, the blind, the wounded, the possessed, Jesus showed mercy!
Consider Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman in John 4. Even though He spoke about “all she had done,” she did not feel condemned, but rather she felt known! She was drawn to His mercy and compassion and the result was many in the village believed! What power when we choose mercy over judgment!
Judgment Vs. Mercy!! Who Will Win?
You enter a room and there’s a jug of milk spilled on the floor… as it glugs out you get to choose: judgment or mercy. Judgment demands to know who knocked the milk over, why it happened, and who’s going to pay for it. On the contrary, mercy jumps into action, helps to clean up the mess, and comes up with ways to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
Mercy doesn’t negate consequences, but offers a compassionate shoulder to lean on while journeying through the consequences.
- Judgment assumes guilt, mercy offers grace
- Judgment looks to blame, mercy looks to set things right
- Judgment looks at the actions, mercy looks past the actions to the person
- Judgment disregards humanity, mercy accepts humanity
- Judgment values self-righteousness, mercy values redemption
- Judgment looks at the past, mercy looks at the future
- Judgment focuses on the mess; mercy helps clean the mess up
James declares the winner when He states: Mercy Triumphs over judgment!
Jesus judged by the law that sets us free! How can we do any less?
If we choose to judge by the law of Moses, that’s the law we will also be judged by. I sure don’t want to be judged under the law of Moses, but rather the law of freedom!
The world is filled with self-righteous, self-appointed judges. Jesus gave His life so that we could be judged by the law of freedom! You and I as carriers of His Spirit must be agents of mercy in our interactions with others. It is the Father’s desire that we be Kingdom ambassadors demonstrating a love that casts out fear of judgment and paves the way for the law of His love!
Jesus stated that His mark on our life would be demonstrated in our love towards one another (John 13:35). This is the reputation that needs to be associated with Christians: a reputation of truth wrapped in compassion, mercy, and love! A people who are willing to help clean up messes and value redemption! This is the type of love that will lead others to the Father.
When our agenda is to demonstrate the heart of the Father, all of Heaven will back us up!
I’m so thankful that mercy triumphs over judgment in the Kingdom of God!
Live Loved,
