“Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment”

by Pastor Mark
November 23, 2023

 

Addressing the problem of being judgmental

The law of liberty is meant to free us from sin, transgressions and iniquities (James 1:25). But some would use the law to bind others. This was a problem that the Apostle James had to address, “So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty” (James 2:12). In the things that they spoke and did, the brethren were judging others by using criticism and condemnation. They were despising the poor…showing partiality with a judgmental spirit.

The danger of being judgmental

“For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy.” (James 2:13)

  1. When we are judgmental by showing partiality, we do not show any mercy.
  2. This is sin in the eyes of the Lord, and He will judge us for it.
  3. As a result, we are in danger of facing the Lord’s judgment for being judgmental.
  4. No mercy will be given.

“Mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13)

  1. The Greek word “kauchaomai” means to “boast”, “glory” and “triumph”.
  2. In this instance, the word used is “katakauchaomai” which is a strengthened form.
  3. The significance is that mercy will definitely and without doubt triumph over judgment.
  4. There is also the use of the Greek present tense…a continuous idea.
  5. This indicates that mercy will always triumph over judgment.

The teaching of the Lord Jesus concerning mercy (Matthew 9:10–13)

  1. After calling Matthew the tax collector to follow Him, the Lord Jesus sat and ate with the tax collectors and sinners.
  2. The Pharisees saw it and, in their self-righteous ways, questioned the Lord Jesus’ actions.
  3. The Lord Jesus made reference to the Scripture…to the words of the prophet Hosea, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice” (Matthew 9:13, Hosea 6:6).
    1. The prophet Hosea wrote further, “And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:6).
    2. The people of Israel did not have proper knowledge of God.
    3. They should have known that God is a merciful God.
    4. He desires mercy to be shown rather than just the offering of ritualistic sacrifices.
    5. The Pharisees were known for their desire to offer external offerings.
    6. But God’s desire was for His people to show mercy from their hearts to those in need.
    7. This was the Lord Jesus’ desire, too.
      • As the spiritual Physician, He came to heal the spiritually sick…tax collectors and sinners.
      • He sought to show mercy to them by reaching out to them.

Choosing mercy over being judgmental

Similarly, let us be challenged to follow the example of the Lord Jesus…to choose to show mercy to the people around us. We should not end up being judgmental and show partiality, for the law of liberty will judge us for doing so. If we know God, we would understand His desire is for us to show mercy. It is also the Lord Jesus’ desire for us to exercise mercy. Let us be challenged to choose and make it our desire to show mercy to others. Let us be challenged to consistently practise this truth principle in our life and ministry, that “mercy triumphs over judgment”.

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