First in Mercy and Last in Judgment

The writers of our Epistles in the New Testament called us out on our divisions, factions, arguments, and quarreling. None of which is good for any of us. Instead of quarreling today, we decide to go our separate ways. I have observed quite a few church splits, and my observation has been the stubbornness lodged in our own souls. And if we are stubborn towards other believers, then most likely we are stubborn towards God.

The Holy Spirit never calls us to quarreling. He calls us to love, peace, and mercy towards each other, not judgement. If we were to delve deep within our own spirits, we quite possibly would find selfishness, pride, and maybe even lust. These characteristics alone will stunt all growth in the believer, and pollute the harmony expected in the Body of Christ.

Harmony in the Body of Christ is not only necessary for our well-being, but it is expected of us by the Holy Spirit. Why then are we always at such odds with each other? You might say that doesn’t happen in your church. If it doesn’t, then I’m glad for you. My premise is with 45,000 denominations in the world, there has to be some disagreement between us! You might say it is a fight over doctrine and beliefs. However, most likely the correct answer can be found in James.

James 4: 1-4 “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”

If we quarrel and fight because we want our own way then we are usually selfish and greedy. That is the way of the world, not the believer! The believer’s way is the way of mercy. The world’s way is to judge. If you find judgment in your thoughts or heart then you are acting according to the world. Forgiveness and mercy come from a heart that is full of the Holy Spirit. It pretty much is clear as the difference between night and day. As believers, we are to have mercy first and be the last to ever pronounce judgment. That is the safe way to live.

We have two warnings. James 2:13 “For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” If you are hoping for God’s mercy on you then you must have mercy on others. Judgment is a very dangerous way to live. Next, Jesus was very specific about this. His warning is strong. Matthew 7: 1-3 “Judge not that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is your own eye?” Judgment is set on the road to destruction. Mercy lies along the way to eternal salvation. Please show mercy to all.

Enough said?