12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. (James 2:12-13)
Perhaps the greatest trick the devil ever played is found in convincing us that we are anything but free. We often use our schedules, relationships, and the perceived expectations of others to keep us from living in this ‘law of liberty’. We are afraid of our freedom because it gives us too much responsibility to fill our time with what matters.
Our Lord thinks little of the things we do to busy ourselves with. He is after more. It is no coincidence that mercy comes with liberty here. For in mercy, we show the will to choose better. Recently someone hurt me. It was a strange circumstance where they had no idea they did so. I wanted to confront with a holy vengeance. I wanted to show I was right and they were selfish and naive. Then I remembered mercy. On this particular instance, bringing up the offense would break the fragility of the offender, and in a rare instance of spiritual clarity, I left it unmentioned. It has helped me in these cases to remember the great offenses I myself are guilty of and the undeserving forgiveness that I have been shown. In this choice of mercy, I found love. Love for the person who hurt me. This is the mystery of grace; to react counter to what is deserved to the point that it baffles and humbles.
Today, you are free to choose mercy. Your father has given you the unnatural ability to choose better. Pour out mercy to others as He has freely given to you.
You are free.
Matt simon blog 