Does Mercy and Justice Coexist?

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Have you ever thought about mercy and justice coexisting? I had not until I completed the Bible Study - Create in me a heart of Mercy from (In) Courage. 

The reading and discussion for week five were about mercy and justice coexisting and the week starts with a story about a brother who had committed some crimes because of a desperate circumstances he was in. Within the passage, the writer says, “In the same way we have been shown mercy, God asks to extend mercy to others.” She references Matthew 5:7 where Jesus says, “Blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy.” And then she writes, “To be merciful means we intentionally choose to not be harsh or derogatory in our response to others.”

James 2:12-13 NIV, “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.” 

That verse was followed up by this question, “What do you think the phrase, “Mercy triumphs over judgment” means in this context?” And honestly, it made me think about how judgemental people are, myself included. There are too many times when I’ll see something online, read a headline, or hear a story and start to judge right away. However, that isn’t my place. 

This study reminded me that we are to leave the judgment to God and that everyone will stand before Him one day. The text says our job is to extend mercy and compassion towards those in need. And point them toward redemption and restoration through faith in Jesus Christ. 

Too many times we say what we would do in situations but the truth is - we don’t know what we would do in certain situations until we are in those situations. Because the truth is you don’t know the full story, the circumstances, or the options that people had when they make choices you don’t agree with. So, next time you hear a story, read a headline, or see something online that you don’t agree with - instead of going to the place of judgment right away, extend mercy and pray for them. 

I highly recommend this bible study for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of mercy. The study was insightful, it made me think, it was deep, and I learned a lot. And I feel like I understand God better when it comes to mercy.

It was written by Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young from the GloryGram newsletter and other fellow writers from (In) Courage. 

With Love, Heidy

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