AVOIDING* THE HALL OF MIRRORS
OR ESCAPING
CHAPTER 11
Mercy: In Short Supply (2|2)
Pages 139-144
James 2:10-12 (NIV) For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. 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.
1 Timothy 1:15-16 (NIV) Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners —of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.
Luke 6:37-38 (NIV) “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Matthew 5:7 (NIV) Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
“If you live in the light of the cross, you will be able to dispense mercy to those who find themselves in your debt. If you frequent the cross daily, you will shudder at the thought of exposing others for their sins, you will become the one who, through love, covers a multitude of sins. You will not punish, either physically or psychologically, those who are exposed and vulnerable through faults of their own or others’ making, but you will find ways to do for them what has been done for you.” What is your response to this statement?
“When God brings judgment, it is just and right, and perfectly measured. When Satan tries to bring judgment through accusation, or when we try to bring judgment along similar lines, it stinks.” Have you experienced or witnessed this? What did it look/feel like?
When have you experienced failures of different sizes? How did you respond to them? You have to admit that withdrawing and living like a hermit sounds pretty good sometimes! How can we be good stewards of giving and receiving grace?