Mercy

Mercy

James 2:12-13 NLT

So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. [13] There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.

James 2:12-13 AMPC

So speak and so act as [people should] who are to be judged under the law of liberty [the moral instruction given by Christ, especially about love]. [13] For to him who has shown no mercy the judgment [will be] merciless, but mercy [full of glad confidence] exults victoriously over judgment.

James 2:12-13 TPT

So we must both speak and act in every respect like those who are destined to be tried by the perfect law of liberty, [13] and remember that judgment is merciless for the one who judges others without mercy. So by showing mercy you take dominion over judgment!

Imagine being brought up with Jesus as your older brother! He would've never been mean to you, never stolen your toys or sweets, never treated you as a stupid kid or told tales on you. He would've loved you to bits, taught you practical things and put you before Himself.

Well, that was James, the writer of this letter.

He had first hand knowledge of Jesus' character and was not ashamed to introduce himself like this:

James 1:1 NLT

This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am writing to the "twelve tribes"-Jewish believers scattered abroad. Greetings!

He could write about essence of mercy because he'd witnessed it personified in his half brother Jesus Christ.

He is echoing what Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount:

Matthew 5:7 NKJV

Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy.

Let's realise afresh how essential it is to extend mercy towards those who don't deserve it.

Each one of us can picture someone who has wronged us in some way shape or form. How much mercy have I shown to that person?

Ask this question:

Do I deserve the mercy Jesus has shown me? Of course not!

It follows that my heart should bleed the same mercy that I have been given.

So help me God!