The Power of Mercy

Society encourages judgment in many ways: business and politics, social media and relationships, education and church life. Showing judgment means being ready to criticize or even condemn others for what they do or say. It means acting like judge and jury, emphatically declaring someone’s innocence or guilt.

It is important to have discernment and to seek wisdom. But a judgmental spirit is different. That is more about our attitude.

We might assume that judgment means strength while mercy implies weakness. However, the Bible reminds us that mercy is ultimately more powerful than judgment. In the world, some may focus on short-term demonstrations of power and influence. But the Bible teaches that it is the merciful who ultimately triumph.

When we are merciful, we remember our limits. We adopt an attitude of humility and remember the mercy God shows us. We need to remember that Jesus said, “Judge not that you not be judged” (Matthew 7:1). Whenever we judge others, we place ourselves in a position to be judged by God!

If we react with judgment toward others, we will be judged ourselves. But if we seek mercy from God and others, we, too, must be merciful. As Jesus said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7).

Today, ask God to help you to be merciful toward others. Remember, the degree to which you are merciful is the degree to which He will be merciful toward you.