Mercy Triumphs over Judgment

How do we really know why somebody has committed a certain sin? Do we really know what is inside a person’s heart? Do we know how the enemy may have set a trap for them, and because they were weak in a moment they fell into the trap?

If we believe we could never fall into sin we are fooling ourselves. If we look at those in sin and judge them without mercy we are being unmerciful and prideful. Judgment without mercy produces pride and haughtiness. Judgment of sin should be left to God. If you have thought,” Oh, I could never commit that sin,” then be careful you are entering into judgment. It is easy to judge because we believe we are better, and are more on top of things, even mores spiritual.

 

How do we really know what someone else goes through?
Mercy Triumphs over Judgement 

We all have areas where temptation is strong and habits are hard to conqueror. These weaknesses give the devil a foothold. All believers still sin but are working towards gaining victory over sin. We are all a work in progress and all are being purified and cleansed. If someone’s sin gets exposed be merciful instead of judging. Don’t speak condemning words over them. Chose instead to intercede for them in prayer.

One sin is not greater than the others. Sin is sin, they are not categorized as one being greater than the other. Homosexuality is not the greatest of sins. There is hope and redemption for this bondage as well as for lust and pornography. How do you know what God is doing in a person’s life or what stage they are in in the purification process? We only see with our physical eyes, but we don’t always see with our spiritual eyes. And because we are not God, we don’t know everything that God is doing in a person’s life.

Why are the homeless judged? How do we know they all “choose” to be there and that is it assumed they are addicts? Do we really know their full story and how they got in their situation? Why do we judge prostitutes or addicts with no mercy? How do we know their backgrounds and how they got into the situations that they are in? We can all say we would never do that (whatever lifestyle/sin), but unless you have walked a mile in someone else’s shoes you really can’t say for sure. Don’t assume all gang members are hardened criminals and will always be that way. There are reasons gang members turn to another “family” and commit crimes. There is hope and redemption for the gang-banger, the prostitute, the addict, the chronic worrier, the fault-finder, the one who judges without mercy, the legalistic/religious, and the sexually immoral. Sin is sin, but let us take care of our own sins before we begin to judge other’s for the “horrible sin” they are committing. In God’s eyes He does not classify our sins, He sees sin as sin.

Therefore you are inexcusably, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same thing. But we know the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?

Romans 2:1-3

Whenever we find ourselves feeling justifiably angry about someone’s sin, we should be careful. We need to speak out against t sin, but we must do so in a spirit of HUMILITY.  Often the sins we notice most clearly in others are the ones that have taken root in us. All of us whether we have been murderers, sexually immoral, upright citizens, or idol worshippers must depend totally on God’s grace. We all have sinned repeatedly, and there is no way apart from Christ to be saved from sin’s consequences.

So remember the next time we want to stand in judgment of others- Mercy Triumphs over Judgment.

The Dangers of Pride and Offense

Pride is one of the most dangerous sins. Pride comes from not knowing where your worth and value comes from, and finding the need to defend who you think you are to others. Offense comes when we need to defend ourselves, or others hurt us in some way; intentional and often times not intentional.

When the enemy comes with pride and offense, you can tell him to back off, you belong to Jesus.

Dictionary.com defines pride as a high inordinate opinion of one’s own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority.

Synonym for pride: humility

Merriam Webster Dictionary defines pride as a feeling that you respect yourself and DESERVE to be respected by others. Another definition is a feeling that you are more important or better than other people.

Dictionationary.com defines offense as something that offends or displeases.

Synonyms for offense: resentment, wrath, indignation, aggression.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines offense as something that causes a person to be hurt, angry, or upset.

Are you dealing with pride? Take a look at the following list and ask the Holy Spirit to uncover any of these to you.

Harshness: Other people’s sins are spoken with judgment and with conviction. You see other’s weaknesses and expose them more than you do cover them in prayer and God’s grace and mercy. Very ridged and religious/legalistic.

Fault-Finding: Instead of applying grace and mercy to others sins and weakness, one may instead condemn, accuse, ridicule, and criticize that person’s sins and/or weaknesses.

Offense: You are easily hurt and sensitive to what others say to you, about you, and how they react to you. An example would be: You may get offended if someone does not return your call, not realizing they may be unable to call right then. It is important to give others the benefit of the doubt.

Perfectionism: You have unrealistic expectations for yourself, others, and even God at times.  You tend to expect others to live up to the very high standard that you impose on yourself.

Jealousy/Comparing: We believe we deserve what others have, and believe we should not have to suffer as much.

Pretense: This means acting one way at home and when you get around certain people or your church you act “all-together and perfect,” but at home you let lose to your “true self.” Or this meaning could be having an outward appearance of Godliness but the inside is corrupt, sinful, or unrighteous in some way.

Anger: Prideful people are easily upset by the least-littlest things, and are easily agitated and annoyed by others. Lack grace and mercy for other’s faults and short-comings.

Believing you are more special, more gifted or more spiritual: The reality is none of us can doing anything on our own merit, it is only by the power of Jesus Christ that we can accomplish anything or have gifts. We are not to abuse our spiritual gifts, if we have the gift of discernment or prophecy, we should not have an “air” about us that thinks we know more, and we know what is wrong with every person and with every situation because we can discern. Yes, God has given the body of Christ gifts, but they are not to be used pridefully and abusively. We are still human, and it is possible we were wrong about a situation or a person.

Difficulty admitting when you are wrong and difficulty apologizing: Have trouble admitting your weaknesses, failures, and when you are in the wrong. Want to be right and have the last word. Also, have difficulty apologizing and especially apologizing first.

Haughtiness: You just believe you are better, your ways are better and ALWAYS right, and others are not as gifted, talented, or accomplished as you are. Or you feel like you could do a better job than others, whatever that job might be.

Now let’s look at what scripture says about being prideful:

God resist the proud but gives grace to the humble. (James 4:6; 1Peter 5:5)

Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18).

A man’s pride will bring him low in wisdom but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit. (Proverbs 29:23).

Those that walk in pride shall be abased. (Daniel 4:37).

Now let’s take a look at the destruction that offense can cause. Offense has divided churches, families, and friendships. If we are offended with someone we must immediately forgive and let go of the offense, otherwise it will turn into bitterness. If bitterness seeps into the spirit, it will destroy the fruit of the spirit in your live. It may be important to go that person who offended you and talk it out, perhaps it was a big misunderstanding. Offense can come when you have been treated unjustly or you believe you have been treated unjustly.

Skandalise is a Greek word for offense, meaning to put a stumbling block in the way.

Some characteristics of people who have been offended:

Hyper-sensitive, touchy, spiritually immature, lacking in mercy and grace and prideful.

Humble people cannot get offended so easily, and if they do it does not last very long. They let it “roll off their backs.” If you become offended you can harbor the offense; which can lead to bitterness. Bitterness is poisonous to your soul.

Steps to overcoming pride and offense:

Take the mask off and see your faults, weaknesses, and your own sins. Admit them to God and ask God to forgive you. Take your eyes off every else’s sins and weakness and instead look to your own first, and instead of exposing other’s sin’s and weakness cover them in prayer. Stop judging others and finding fault with them. It is a lot easier to judge others then to look at our own sin and weakness.

Develop and pursue gratefulness in your life. If you are truly grateful for your life, then you won’t have time to pick apart others and you will realize that it will lead to a lack of joy and peace in your life.

Honor other’s gifts, talents, and abilities. Don’t try and compete with them or compare yourself to them.

Know that you have weakness and you will make mistakes, and so will others. Apply grace and mercy to yourself and to others. Do not live up to being a perfectionist and don’t expect others to either.  You will never be perfect, nor will others.

Give others the benefit of the doubt. Don’t rush to conclusions about why they mistreated or hurt you. Forgive as many times as it takes, until all bitterness is rooted out. Be at ease with others, realizing they are most likely trying their best as you are. Lighten up!

Match your outward self to your inward self. Get rid of all pretense. Who you are in public should match who you are in private. No hypocrisy.

Learn humility. You are not always right, know everything, can do everything, and know what is best for everybody. Humble people are not prideful and do not easily get offended.

Listen more than you talk. If you constantly interrupt others, give unsolicited advice, or talk more than you listen, then it is time to be quiet and listen instead. It may just be you do not have the answer to their every problem and know how to solve their issues. Most of the time people just want someone to listen to them.

Don’t feel like you have to defend yourself. Take criticism constructively, and if criticism is not given constructively then you humble yourself and don’t personalize it. Let it go. You can tell the person who criticized you, gently and calmly say that “What they said hurt you.”

Traits Jesus is looking for in His Followers

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on a mountainside and sat down.

His disciples came to Him, and He began to teach them

The Beatitudes

He said:

 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 Blessed are those who mourn,

    for they will be comforted.

 Blessed are the meek,

    for they will inherit the earth.

 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

    for they will be filled.

 Blessed are the merciful,

    for they will be shown mercy.

 Blessed are the pure in heart,

    for they will see God.

 Blessed are the peacemakers,

    for they will be called children of God.

 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5:1-12

 This article is an in-depth look at each trait that Jesus discussed on the Sermon in the Mount.   Have reflection time after reading through each one. Though as followers of Christ we may not embody each trait perfectly, but our hearts must want to align with the traits. We then surrender what we cannot do on our own, and ask the Holy Spirit to align our hearts to His desires for us.

Poor in Spirit:

Poor in spirit is referring to our relationship with God. It is the opposite of arrogant self-confidence. It is the deepest form of repentance. It acknowledges our desperate need for God. We acknowledge we can do nothing on our own or in our own strength. When we come to God we must realize our own sin and our spiritual emptiness. We must not be self-satisfied or proud in our hearts, thinking we do not really need God.

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6

Mourning:

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. We can mourn for repentance, consequences of sin, over persecution, sins of God’s people and sincere concerns for the church. The Holy Spirit in us can grieve over our sins and the sins of others. So this type of mourning may be more referring to a spiritual mourning.

Meekness:

A Greek translation of meekness can be translated as gentle. Dictionary.com defines meekness as humble, patient or docile, gentle.

Synonyms for meekness: forbearing, yielding, unassuming, calm, soft. Ask.com defines meek as a word to describe one’s character meaning humble in spirit. It could also mean to have a feeling of patience, submissiveness, and humbleness.

In the Old Testament the meek are those wholly relying on God rather their own strength. Gentleness and meekness is the opposite of self-assertiveness and self-interest. It stems from trust in God’s goodness and control over the situation. The gentle person is not occupied with self at all.

Meek does not mean weak! Gentleness or meekness is not weakness, nor is it belittling of oneself. 

Gentleness can be described as a considerate or kind disposition, not harsh or severe; mild and soft and easily managed. Humble can be defined as someone who does not think they are better than, or more important than others. Humble means not proud or arrogant. A humble person never demands their own ways (see 1 Corinthians 13:4-8). Humility is the opposite of pride, haughtiness, being puffed-up, boasting, self-will, self-glory, and self-promotion. Humility does not seek personal recognition. Humble people esteem others better than oneself. Humility is not timidity or a self-degrading attitude towards self.

Righteousness:

An important part of righteousness is that a person is honest, dependable, and trustworthy. One is faithful towards God and others. A righteous person will live morally upright, fair, and in an upright manner.

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines righteousness as morally good; following religious or moral laws.

Synonyms: decent, ethical, honorable, just, moral, right, virtuous.

Antonyms: bad, dishonest, evil, evil-minded, immoral, indecent, sinful, wicked, unethical, wicked, unrighteous.

Greek words that are used to describe unrighteousness:

Anomia: Lawbreakers; Hamartia: Sinners; Atheist: Those who do not believe in God.

Unrighteous Acts:

Greed                                   Not honoring agreements

Envy                                     Not loving your family

Murder                                  Not being merciful

Arguing                                 Being sexually immoral

Deceitfulness                        Worshipping idols

Gossiping                             Committing adultery

Slandering                             Practicing homosexuality

Not believing in God               Thievery

Pride                                     Drunkenness

Bragging                                Insulting

Being angry                           Extorting

Being disobedient to parents

Mercy:

Mercy can be defined as compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one’s power to punish them. The Pharisees in their self-righteous judgments showed little mercy. The truly merciful are too aware of their own sins to deal with others in condemnation and judgment. The merciful person is sensitive to others needs. When we must judge another person we should be careful because we really do not know their situations and their hearts. Jesus, in the Beatitudes says that those who show mercy are given mercy.

Pure in Heart:

Meaning being clean or free from stains or shame; free from adulteration; it denotes a physical, religious and moral cleanliness. Being pure in heart goes deep. The Bible makes it clear that worshipping God cannot be an outward function, but must come from the inside (the heart). Being pure in heart means we are in right relationship with God and with others. We have to guard and preserve our heart. The pure in heart are those who seek to stay free from sin.

Peacemaker:

Peacemaking seeks to produce right relationships between persons. Those that sow discord, slander, and gossip are not peacemakers. Holding grudges, busybodies, and the disagreeable do not promote peacemaking. Peacemakers are needed in our homes, churches, and in the marketplace. Quarreling, arguing, and wanting to be right provides an opportunity for the enemy to cause division and strife.

Peace means tranquility, harmony; absence of strife. The Hebrew meaning, Shalom means the absence of strife and evil, and all the presence of good things.

True peace never evades the issues by “sweeping them under the rug,” but deals with them by building the right bridges and moving through the pain until harmony is established. Sometimes the way to lasting peace includes addressing issues which will be painful to work through. Truth and righteous are just as important as peace. Jesus taught that sometimes faithful followers would cause strife with loved ones. Paul implies not all strife can be avoided when following Christ, however, we should do what we can to be at peace with others.

Persecuted:

The NIV states blessed are you when people insult you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of God. Jesus called those who lived out these traits blessed. To Jesus, blessed means the experience of hope and joy, independent of outward circumstances.

Barnes commentary notes on Matthew 5:10: Blessed are they which are persecuted. To persecute means literally to pursue; follow after. Here it means to vex, oppress one on account of one’s religion.