Exercising Mercy
Most of us go through life with a hope for justice, fair treatment, and a decent chance for a happy life. As we age, we come to understand that boyfriends and girlfriends hurt us, referees are crooked, and life in general can be painful. Adulthood arrives on the scene with an even more painful sting. Our experience with injustice and corrupt people begins perhaps on the playground, but it certainly finds us again before we get too old. The question is, "How do we respond."
God makes it clear that all have sinned; in fact, He says that the liar will go to hell along with the murderer.
Revelation 21:8 “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
We have all broken the commands of God. We have all lived in a way that deserves death and Hell. With that obvious fact in mind, how do we respond to sinners around us? James gives us some direction.
James 2:8-12 “If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:”
James 2:13 “For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.”
Judgment without mercy? That is no place you want to live. We all should desire mercy daily! Yet, if we do not exercise mercy on those who do wrong, we are in grave danger. Yes, the law can do as it pleases, but we are not the law. We are to live like the people of God.
Jesus had many dealings with judgmental people, and they did not fare well in His world.
Matthew 9:10 “And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.”
vs. 11 “And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?”
Hosea 6:6 “For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”
Matthew 9:13 “But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Also see Matthew 11:19.)
Remember what Jesus said to Peter when he suggested offending people and forgiveness?
Matthew 18:22 “Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”
As the passage about mercy, if we mess up on this, it will have serious consequences.
Matthew 18:35 "So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”
Let me be clear; God has been extremely merciful to all of us, and He expects us to do the same.
Pastor