Luke 6:37
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
I have to thank my new friend, Liz B, for this phrase, “judgment without mercy.” It captures the essence of what it means to “judge not.” There is such a difference between judging and discernment, but so often we fall into the judging mode. I know I do. Some would say, “but there is right and wrong and it’s appropriate to “judge” between them.” And I would ask you to keep in mind the mercy.
It is the quality of mercy that tempers the mind. It is the heart that that softens the mind. It is mercy that is the foundation for forgiveness. It is the spirit who reminds us of our sins. Oh yes, we all make mistakes and when we do, we are often deserving of the consequences (sometimes dire) … but isn’t it mercy that we count on? And aren’t we fortunate to love a merciful God? In James 2:13b, he says, “…mercy triumphs over judgment.” Thanks be to God.
Meditations from Zion 