Saturday, July 21, 2012

Show Mercy, Compassion

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

How easy it is to line up and condemn those who have done wrong. We look at them with our superior attitudes and tell each other that those people got what they deserved. Some even applaud.

We are so busy condemning that we can’t see ourselves and what we’ve become. We’re so certain of ourselves, we can’t show compassion. We fail to realize that we could make the same mistakes. We could stumble and fall. Next time, it could be us.

Recently a local businessman, a former lobbyist and a former state legislator were sentenced to prison. They each plead guilty to charges stemming from bribery and a casino project. Some would say it was politics as usual and they got caught up in it. Others say it’s the corruption of gambling. Everybody’s got an opinion.

What I don’t hear is a lot of sadness. Three men with wives and children, with families and lives, are going to prison. It’s never cause for celebration. And don’t crow too loudly about what they “deserve.” Because we deserve death and eternal separation from God. Yeah. We don’t like to think about that.

“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

-- Luke 6:36

We see it everywhere. Someone makes a mistake and the crowd is quick to condemn. Someone makes a wrong choice and the line grows long with those happy to say “I told you so.” We forget about mercy and compassion. We forget that we’re just as human -- and imperfect -- as they are.

Look in the mirror. Have you led a perfect life? Be honest. And remember that God knows all your truths. Oh, I hear you. Sure, you’ve made mistakes but nothing serious. Nothing as bad as those other folks, you‘re quick to say. Are you sure about that?

Because sin is sin in God’s eyes. And the sin of judgment is pretty serious, indeed. The Bible tells us that God will judge us based on how we judge others. It sure puts mercy in a different perspective, doesn’t it?

So don’t celebrate a tragedy. Pray for these men and their families. Be kind in your comments. Show mercy with your actions. Treat them as you want God to treat you.