Missing Mercy – 12 February 2009

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!  James 2:12-13 [NIV]

What a great God we have!  How different things would be if the Bible said “Judgment triumphs over Mercy”.  I find that the way of the world is exactly like that.  It is hard to find the “merciful” today, and this is bad news for our position in front of God.  Whenever someone is flawed or fails in any respect of public life it is hard to hear any kind words under the baying criticism of the media.  It is easy to be dragged along by the crowd which can so easily turn into a merciless “lynch mob”. 

Is there room for a little mercy in your attitudes today?  Is your judgment “without mercy” on others?  If that is the case, how will God judge you?

Paul’s letters to Timothy show that he understood the grace, mercy and patience which God has shown us.  Let his prayer be our prayer today:

Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.  The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.  But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Timothy 1: 12-17 [NIV]