Date: 9-19-14
Text: James 2:8-13 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. 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! [NIV84]
The Big Idea: Because “Mercy triumphs over judgment,” in a healthy relationship I am offered yet another chance..
Mercy seems to be a critical aspect of any relationship. At least, this is what I have discovered. True, Love is as critical a component, but it seems that mercy is a subset of Love. Without mercy, if I fail in one part of the relationship, say, forget to take the garbage down to the curb, or call ahead to say I’ll be late, then I am violating the entire relationship. I have just demonstrated I cannot be trusted to keep my word. But because “Mercy triumphs over judgment,” in a healthy relationship I am offered yet another chance. …
Lifestyle worshipers, have you found mercy to be a vital component of your relationships? How would you define mercy? And what role do you see this playing in our growing up through the opportunities we get to extend mercy and counting it all joy? Your thoughts.
Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts
— Matthew 9:12-13 (NIV84)
— Matthew 5:7 (NIV84)
— Jude 22 (NIV84)
Lord Jesus Christ, be Mercy in me as You make me an instrument of Your presence to bring healing and not harm, In Your Name Amen.
Pastor Mike