Mercy Triumphs - James 2:12-13

James 2:12-13             Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

            Most Facebook users enjoy sharing their thoughts, photos, and ideas with their friends and families. From time to time, however, after posting a picture or writing a statement, other folks weigh in with negative opinions or add their own uninvited two cents worth of criticism. The original post ends up being forgotten and a whole thread of comments, dialogue, and arguments hijacks the entire conversation. This usually disheartens the original poster who sometimes ends up having to delete the initial post in order to curtail the conversational conflict and divisive dialogue. It seems that judging or criticizing others is a full-time occupation for some folks on Facebook and it can be very easy to be drawn into a spiral of embittered words and strong opinions by them.

            As Christians, we sometimes find it hard to avoid these conflicts, especially when politics and religion get thrown into the mix. Pastors are not shielded from this either; instead of being peacemakers, we can end up becoming shakers and breakers in an online debate.

            When the Apostle James was writing his letter to the young Christian churches in the First century, they didn’t have Facebook, but most of the Roman, Greek, and Jewish people loved to argue and criticize others who did not live up to their standards. James reminded the new followers of Christ that their salvation depended on God’s mercy, so rather than judge other people for their mistakes, opinions, or choices, Christians were expected to show forgiveness and mercy.

            This week, we will probably encounter folks who may antagonize us in person, public, or on Facebook. The temptation to get even is great, but the expectation to be gracious should be greater. No person will ever be won for Christ by arguing, but some folks will be drawn to Christ by the gifts of mercy and grace from His followers.

Question for reflection

How do I display Christ’s grace and mercy to other folks?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, grant us the gifts of Your grace and mercy in our lives, so we may honor You by passing on those blessings to the people we will meet, work, and be with this week. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to ask questions or make comments about today’s message, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is an old Holy Week drawing of John’s depicting mercy. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Mercy.

Christian devotions: Divine Gift - Acts 13:39

Today’s Bible readings can be found online here: Proverbs 15:1-11 and Acts 13:36-52.

Acts 13:39       Through Christ everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the Law of Moses. 

            One of the greatest gifts of Christianity is that people, even the wickedest among us, can be forgiven by God. This allows all of us to begin our lives again and make a new start. Many of us have past regrets and have made terrible mistakes. We carry the burden of our guilt within us, and sometimes even punish ourselves for being so foolish, corrupt, and sinful. To be human, is to be frequently wrong. To be forgiven, is to be set free from the past.

            Our beautiful world and wonderful planet is full of broken, guilty, and remorseful people. Much of the disappointments we experience or cause, are deeply rooted in our sinful nature. We all could be better people; we all could make better choices; we all could do better things with our lives.

            Christ gives us a gracious opportunity to begin again, no matter who we are, no matter what we’ve done; no matter what age we are, and no matter what hurt or damage we have caused. He sacrificed Himself for our sins and, as Paul preached long ago, ‘everyone who believes is set free from every sin.’

            Today, I rejoice in the eternal fact that I am forgiven. I hope that you can also receive and experience this greatest of all gifts from God. As the poet, Alexander Pope once wrote: ‘to err is human; to forgive, divine.’

Personal questions for reflection

What is currently my biggest regret? Have I truly asked Christ to forgive me?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You are our Divine Savior and Gracious Lord. We know the wrong that we have done and the disappointments we have created. Forgive our past mistakes and foolish choices. Allow us the opportunity to begin again and to re-start our lives by being connected to You. In Your Holy Name, we gratefully and humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment or ask questions about today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest drawings called “Northern Delights.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on this link: Northern.

Daily Devotions: Resident Evil

Our community in Knoxville is grieving and angry this morning. A while ago, a young couple – Chris Newsom and Channon Christian – were car-jacked, kidnapped, raped, tortured, horrendously mutilated, and savagely murdered by a gang of people over several days. The details of the crime have sent shock waves throughout our town and we are all heartbroken for the families concerned.

Yesterday, the first trial of one of the gang members ended. Everyone thought that the death penalty was assured because the brutal and monstrous killing of these young people was so savage that only a State execution would satisfy those who were looking for justice. The jury, however, decided that life imprisonment without parole was deemed enough punishment for the perpetrator.

Local radio shows and newspapers have been swamped with callers and comments who are outraged. The families of the young couple are also very angry and disappointed with the jury. The one consolation, if there is any in this case, was expressed by a family member: “At least he will never be allowed on the streets of Knoxville again.”

As Christians, we are supposed to forgive those who sin against us, but in this particular horrendous case, can anyone of us find that ounce of forgiveness in our hearts? It is so difficult.

The other four gang members are to begin their trials in the next month. The ringleader of the group is being tried soon. The Newsom and Channon families will have to again go through the public hell of hearing how their children were savagely assaulted and wickedly killed. Our hearts and prayers go out to them.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, there seems to be so much wickedness in the world, even in the midst of our own community. We feel shocked and helpless, numbed and powerless in the face of such blatant evil. Help us to find a way of turning these horrible events into goodness and strength, healing and wholeness for our broken community. In Your Holy Name, we helplessly pray. Amen.