So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:12-13 (NIV)
Dear Lord Jesus, my heart is filled with a fresh awareness of your mercy. You’re a most wonderful, merciful Savior, indeed. Because of your finished work, I’m no longer afraid to die, or live, because I’m no longer uncertain about what God thinks about me. He loves me as much as he loves you, because he’s hidden my life in yours. Mercy trumped judgment. Hallelujah!
Now, all day long, every minute of every day, Jesus, you constantly show me mercy. You don’t give me what I deserve, but instead you give me grace upon grace upon grace. In the gospel, you incessantly speak words of encouragement, hope, and kindness to me. Even when you have to correct me, you give me “life-giving rebukes,” not shame-inducing stares or guilt-inflicting words. Mercy continually trumps judgment on my behalf.
And you’ve completely reoriented my relationship to the Scriptures as well, Jesus. The law that used to condemn me now consoles me; that which used to be a source of fear in me has become a source of freedom for me. Because the gospel is true, I can now honestly say, “the law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul”—my soul.
In view of so much mercy lavished on me, I have no excuses. I can’t justify my irritable spirit or judgmental attitude. I want to speak and act as someone you’ve set free. Grant me grace and wisdom, to live and love in this radical way. I fear being exploited, but my greater fear is being cold hearted. So very Amen I pray, in your strong and loving name.