Go With Mercy

When you find yourself in a situation where you’re wondering if you should give mercy or not…

Go with mercy.

Mercy should be our default mode.

Remember:

“Judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” (James 2.13)

Mercy triumphs!

Brian Zahnd, in his book, Beauty Will Save The World, says:

“If our churches are to be anything like a shelter from the storm, we must become famous for our mercy. But is this our reputation? If people find themselves in need of mercy, is their first thought to find an evangelical church? If not, we need to change. Why were sinners attracted to Jesus and evidently felt quite comfortable with him? The answer is simple. In Jesus they found mercy.”

Jesus is our model for mercy.

He blessed the mercy-givers…

“Blessed are those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Matthew 5.7)

My version of this beatitude goes like this:

“We’re blessed when we live as people of the second chance—constantly aware of our own need for mercy—and freely giving it to others.”

Now, let’s flip it.

“When we refuse second chances and become stingy with mercy, we are least like Jesus and we stink.”

When in doubt, go with mercy.

Mercy triumphs!

“The Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6.8)