Love Mercy

Love Mercy

Reflections by Rev. Harry Stackhouse

James 2:13 “For judgment will be merciless to one has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.”

As the story goes, “A man was caught stealing some item from a store, was arrested, locked up and forced to appear in court before a judge who had the right to fine him heavily or even have him lock up for a few days that could have cost him his employment.   

On his day in court, he stood before the judge and had to give an account for his crime.  The judge asked him if he was guilty of stealing the item and he answered, “yes” and he pleaded with the judge to have mercy on him.  The man realized he was at the mercy of the person with the gavel. The judge asked why should I grant you mercy? The criminal stood in silence thinking about all of the reasons he should be granted mercy, but could only muster up one thought that overwhelmed his heart and he told the judge, “because I have been merciful towards others.” The judge said, “not guilty there goes an honest man.” Mercy triumphed over judgment.

Mercy lowers the one with authority to judge to a place of kindness and humility while judgment elevates the one with authority and humbles the one being judged.

Be one who is full of grace and mercy always produces kingdom dividend. Mercy is one of the foundational corner stones of any good relationship. There is love, forgiveness, grace and mercy.  If these four are working there will be peace and unity in your congregation and the world.