It's All About Mercy
by Katie Harding on October 2, 2023
Having recently read the letter of James, I was struck by the phrase, “mercy triumphs over judgment.” In fact, it’s the main thought between, “Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only,” and “Faith without works is dead.” It’s what ties these two sections of James’ letter together.
Anytime I see the word mercy, the first thought that comes to mind is gratefulness because our God is such a merciful God. My next thought is always, “Indeed, God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him” (John 3:17). Jesus didn’t come to judge us for our sins, but to save us despite our sins. We have a new life — a different life — not only because of God’s love for us but also because of His great mercy. And this always brings to mind what Jesus told His disciples after His resurrection, “As the Father sent me, so I send you” (John 20:23). Like Jesus, we too are sent, full of the Holy Spirit, into the world, not to condemn or judge the world but to love in order that the world might experience the saving power of Jesus Christ. We are to be merciful people.
“Jesus didn’t come to judge us for our sins, but to save us despite our sins. ”
Yet, merciful is not always a word used to describe Christians. In fact, in my 20’s and 30’s, mercy wasn’t even a part of my character. On a spiritual gifts test given at church during that time, my score for mercy was almost zero. Honest! I was always full of judgment and severely lacking in mercy. But God. Twenty-two years ago this month, as I was beginning my 40’s, I had an encounter with the Lord on my own Damascus Road (aka the Dulles Toll Road). After surrendering final control and expressing my desire to fully follow Jesus that night, I began a new daily habit the next morning of reading my Bible and praying. Little did I realize that sitting at the feet of Jesus day after day would be transforming. It wasn’t until many years later as I was delivering Christmas cookies to a pastor’s house, that I became aware of the change that had taken place. Before I left her home, she commented how gentle-spirited I was. After denying it several times and experiencing her quick correction after each denial, I finally accepted what she was saying. God had changed my heart.
What I’ve learned over the years is that showing mercy is not a practice that can be turned on or off like a wall switch, depending on the situation. Instead, in following Jesus, showing mercy is about a way of life and becoming merciful in all situations. The difference is not only in our consistency, but in our identity. It’s not about what we do, but who we are — or are becoming. It’s a matter of the heart and understanding the only reason we can live as we do is because Jesus Christ was willing to die as He did. The ground is level at the foot of the cross. May we be humbled by God’s great mercy for us and generously share His mercy with others.