The Power of Mercy: Breaking Free from Judgment
As humans, we have a natural tendency to judge others. It’s easy to criticize and condemn, but showing mercy is a much harder virtue to cultivate. In fact, it’s supernatural. Mercy is the opposite of judgment, and it’s an essential tool in our spiritual journey.
From Judgment to Mercy
Growing up in a Pharisaic environment, I struggled with judgmental tendencies. It wasn’t until my wife Marti rebuked me for mocking a group of people practicing yoga that I realized the harm of my words. She pointed out that not only was I wrong to judge, but I was also missing out on the opportunity to learn and grow. This experience taught me that being judgmental takes no effort, but showing mercy requires a conscious choice.
The Truth About Judgment
The truth is, we’re all already guilty because of sin. Our deeds reveal our sinful nature, and we’re all judged already on the cross of Jesus Christ. When we accept God’s gift of salvation, we’re judged already. This means that being judgmental is like taking an unnecessary step. Instead of focusing on others’ flaws, we should focus on our own need for mercy.
Learning Mercy from God
So, how do we learn mercy? We learn it from God. When we realize what it took for God to be merciful to us, despite our flaws and mistakes, we begin to understand the value of mercy. We can’t muster up mercy on our own; it’s a gift from God. The more we recognize our need for mercy, the more we’re able to show mercy to others.
The Blessing of Mercy
The Bible says, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” This doesn’t mean that if we’re not merciful, we won’t receive mercy. Rather, it means that if we’re not merciful, we won’t recognize mercy when we see it. By showing mercy to others, we open ourselves up to receiving God’s mercy in our own lives.
A Life of Mercy
Living a life of mercy requires intentionality and practice. It means choosing to see the good in others, rather than focusing on their flaws. It means being willing to forgive and show compassion, even when it’s hard. As we strive to live a life of mercy, we’ll find that it’s not just a virtue, but a blessing that brings joy and freedom to ourselves and those around us.
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