So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:12-13
Dear Lord Jesus, my heart is overwhelmed today with a fresh awareness of your triumphant and daily mercy. You are, indeed, a most wonderful, merciful Savior. As a non-dancer, it’s easy to dance before you today.
Because of what you’ve done for us, I’m no longer afraid to die—I have no fears about the life to come. And I’m not afraid to live either, for God is at peace with me. By your life and death, you did everything necessary, not just to reconcile me to God, but also to place me in his eternal favor, his great delight and his perpetual rejoicing. Mercy has trumped judgment on my behalf! I’m humbled and incredibly gladdened.
Now, all day long, Lord Jesus, every minute of every day, you are constantly showing me more mercy. You don’t give me what I deserve, but instead you keep giving me more and more grace. In the gospel, you are incessantly speaking words of encouragement, hope, and kindness to me. Even when you have to correct me, which is quite often, you give me “life-giving rebukes,” not shame-inducing stares or guilt-inflicting words… and I bless you for such kindness.
Lord Jesus, you’ve completely reoriented my relationship to the Scriptures as well. The law that used to condemn me now consoles me; that which used to be a source of fear in me has become a source of freedom for me. Because the gospel is true, I can now honestly say, “the law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul”—my soul.
Lord Jesus, in view of your daily mercies and steadfast love for me, I have no excuses. I cannot justify being critical of others and holding grudges. Resentment and irritability have no place in the heart of someone loved so well by you. Help me to speak and act today as someone for whom the triumph of mercy over judgment is complete. Give me wisdom for difficult relationships; but also give me kindness—an oversupply of kindness. So very Amen I pray, in your compassionate and strong name.
