Mercy

DEVOTION
JAMES
MERCY
James 2:12-13
12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!
NIV
Does this imply being critical of some of my fellow believers? Is a critical spirit lacking mercy? I fear I might have some confessing to do. Mercy allows for all the imperfections in all others who I come in contact with. Heaven knows I have no perfection within my being so why than should I have any course for criticism of any other? I should not, and from this moment I will not. How could I have allowed that kind of thinking into my spirit? Oh right, it was not criticism or judging, it was assessing. It is wrong to simply assess what if obvious? That is just a rationalization of judging. Can I judge as long as I have mercy? I suppose if I judge someone to be acting in a manner that is not Christ-like and show mercy to them it would be alright. How does that work? I cannot turn a blind eye or spirit to the offenses of my brothers and sisters; I would not be much of a shepherd if I did that. Sharing the word of God, I believe is an act of mercy and compassion toward those who have offenses, so they might be reminded of the standard God has set forth. I too need that reminding on a daily basis. To ponder in some portion of His word daily brings about a better me. But is my sharing the word through preaching, teaching, and writing a form of speaking and acting as if I am going to judge by the law? I surely have to make every effort to be the man of God he desires me to be. I must follow my calling from God. Even in these later years of my life, I must continue to demonstrate mercy and compassion for all who fail God because I also fail him even in the administration of my duty. I need his mercy as much as anyone else. So then, judge others condition as I judge mine and be merciful toward them by sharing the truth assisting them in their journey with God. No condemnation because not one of us is any better or worse than the other, I am no better or no worse than any of my fellow believers. Therefore mercy to all for we all need it.