Scripture Reflections

For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. (James 2:13)

Everyone (except the most hardened person) desires mercy for themselves, just as everyone desires forgiveness. After all, we all have wronged others and do not want every sin and mistake held against us! But James’ words are stern—even a bit frightening—because most of us fail to show mercy to others. It is easy to be frustrated with the flaws of others and forget to be merciful! How often we are impatient, short-tempered, quick to judge! Is judgment truly without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy? How much mercy do we have to show to get mercy?

James is no sterner than Jesus, though, who said, “If you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matt. 6:15). Again, how much forgiveness do we have to show? Peter asked that question, and the reply he received was daunting. Jesus’ answer was effectively, “All of it! All the time!” After telling a story to illustrate this, he repeated himself—forgiveness only comes to the one who shows it to others (Matt. 18:21-35).

In listening to these words, we must be careful. If we believe we earn God’s mercy by showing mercy or earn his forgiveness by showing forgiveness, we are gravely mistaken. We cannot earn anything from God. His grace is our only hope! But we cannot let the glorious truth of grace blind us from what the Bible says: Only those who show mercy receive it, and only those who offer forgiveness receive it.

Very simply, God’s mercy and forgiveness come first, but we cannot receive them without becoming people who show them. To refuse to offer these gifts is the same motion as to refuse to receive them. We cannot have it both ways—either we live in the realm of mercy and forgiveness, or we don’t, and if we live in that realm, it means both giving and receiving.

We live in a merciless time. The internet has given all of us the ability to vilify, slander, and attack others. One mistake, one poorly worded phrase, one foolish or sinful decision and the mobs leap in to cut the reputation down. Everyone justifies their response, of course! But the church should be different. We are called to live in a kingdom of giving and receiving mercy, of giving and receiving forgiveness. This isn’t easy—who enjoys showing mercy to the enemy?—but if we say yes to God’s call, we will find ourselves receiving the mercy we need and “shining like lights in the world” (Phil. 2:15), examples of Jesus Christ to those around us.

Steven+