Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven. (Luke 6:36-37)
Christians should be known as merciful people. Mercy is being sympathetic, tender, responsive, and compassionate to others, even or especially when they don’t deserve it. The only way to have a merciful heart is to respond to and receive the mercy that God has given us. You didn’t deserve salvation. You didn’t deserve His forgiveness. Yet, God is full of mercy and has compassion for us even when we don’t deserve it. So, why don’t we exhibit mercy to others?
Jesus said that we are not to judge. The Greek word for judge here is krino, which means to condemn or conclude someone as guilty. Christians shouldn’t jump to conclusions about the motives of other people. We shouldn’t be quick to condemn. Condemnation declares someone guilty and deserving of punishment. Jesus warned that if we condemn others, we will also be condemned.
Jesus finished this verse by telling us that we will be forgiven when we forgive. Forgiveness is not just a one-time act but a way of life. Once, Jesus was asked by His followers how many times they needed to forgive someone. Forgiveness involves letting go of the hurt someone has caused by how they wronged us. Holding on to the hurt doesn’t damage the offender but continues wounding the already wounded. Forgive those who have wronged you; it will set you free.
What you sow, you shall reap. Since none of us is perfect, we sometimes need mercy and forgiveness. Therefore, it’s important to be merciful and forgiving. When we sow seeds of compassion and forgiveness, God promises that a bountiful harvest will return the same to us.
Practical Application
When you feel tempted to judge someone else, remind yourself of your need for mercy and forgiveness. Pause and pray and approach others with the same mercy you want God to give you.