"Mercy triumphs over judgment" (James 2:13)
If you could go back in time and make a different decision, what would you do? I ask myself this question a lot. And the answer that keeps coming back to me: I would have loved people more. I would have shown more kindness. I would have shown more compassion. I have shown more grace. I would have done more to make people feel seen and cared for.
But I don’t think I’ve ever wished I had been more scathing, hurtful, or judgmental. People are difficult to deal with. It’s only natural to want to bring others down when we have disagreements, frustrations, and offenses. But since when has bringing others down ever brought us up?
As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said:
“Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
For the rest of our lives on earth, we’re going to be presented with a choice to either show mercy or judgment. My advice: choose mercy. Choosing mercy does not mean that you don’t stick up for yourself. It does not mean that you never tell people the hard truth. But it does mean that you aim to build rather than break. It does mean that you aim to restore rather than destroy. When in doubt, choose mercy! And I think you’ll be glad you did.
Photo by Rose Erkul on Unsplash
That was beautiful, Calvin. It actually made me weep, thinking about a friend of ours who is in need of restoration. I'm currently debating whether to write "that email." Will it do any good or will it blow up in my face. I have a tendency to be blunt, to be "a pushy broad." Jesus is still working on that area of my life. This was a good reminder. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteAppreciate the encouragement! Praying the Lord gives you guidance and discernment with your friend 😌
Delete