Mercy Triumphs over Judgemen

Acts of Worship
Stewardship for Life

Serving Neighbors,
Serving God

James 2:8-13  The Message

^8-11 You do well when you complete the Royal Rule of the Scriptures: “Love others as you love yourself.” But if you play up to these so-called important people, you go against the Rule and stand convicted by it. You can’t pick and choose in these things, specializing in keeping one or two things in God’s law and ignoring others. The same God who said, “Don’t commit adultery,” also said, “Don’t murder.” If you don’t commit adultery but go ahead and murder, do you think your non-adultery will cancel out your murder? No, you’re a murderer, period.
^12-13 Talk and act like a person expecting to be judged by the Rule that sets us free. For if you refuse to act kindly, you can hardly expect to be treated kindly. Kind mercy wins over harsh judgment every time.

For Reflection
Perhaps the most difficult practice for Christians is to go against the common wisdom of our cultures.  The "Golden Rule," as it is sometimes called, ask us to apply that test to our own behavior.  This rule is intended to moderate our judgment with mercy.  Such a rule encourages us to be free from the bonds of conventional culturally embedded rewards and punishments.  Act kindly and you will be treated kindly.  Act justly and you will be treated justly.  Act compassionately and you will be treated compassionately.

Pray
that you will free yourself from acting in retribution.  Pray that you will discover creative ways to avoid untoward judgment and remain engaged in ways that are consistent with your faith.