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

papers (blended) by Marta van Ecka and Lynne Anzek, elements, top papers by etDesigns

Please also see my related devotional from yesterday (June 5, 2019).

The above passage goes along with this one:

“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.” Luke 6:37-42 (The way that it continues is also important: Luke 6:43-49)

In God's sight, judgment goes along with mercy, which is defined as follows:

mer·cy \ ˈmər-sē \ noun: compassionate treatment, especially of those under one's power; clemency; a disposition to be kind and forgiving

So being merciful is being compassionate, kind and forgiving. I think we all know that, but the question is what does it mean to be those things? Does it mean that if it makes someone uncomfortable to call their sin "sin," then we should refrain from doing so? No, it doesn't. We don't have to "pick" between truth and love (nor SHOULD we). (Rom. 1:18, Eph. 4:15-16 - also see Eph. 4:13-14 - we need knowledge to grow mature in Christ so that we're not tossed to and fro by doctrine craftily twisted by deceitful humans; also see Heb. 5:11-14.) We're not meant to criticize others to death and pretend that we ourselves are perfect. (Gal. 6:3-5, Rom. 12:3-9, Phil. 3:13-14, Heb. 10:24-27, 1Cor. 14:12, 26, Eph. 4:29-32, Jude 1:20-23, Rom. 14 - that discussion pertains to matters of freedom, not sin.) When speaking about sin, our motive is LOVE. (1Tim. 1:5, Eph. 4:15-25) We want people to repent and be restored to fellowship with the Body of Christ. (2Cor. 7:8-10, 1John 1:6-10) It's important not to be a "gong," but letting someone remain in a deceived state of believing that the behaviors they make a practice of are acceptable to God (or not "seen" by Him - but see Acts. 5:1-12, 1Cor. 11:29-32) is NOT merciful. It's actually the opposite. (2Tim. 2:19-23, 24-26, 2Pet. 2:18-22, 1Cor. 13:1-3, Jam. 5:19-20, Gal. 6:1, Jude 1:23)

Denying that sin is SIN is the kind of thing that someone who doesn't actually KNOW God or BELIEVE what He said about what IS sin and how His wrath is going to come on the earth because of people who refuse to turn from it (repent). (Rom. 2:5-11, Eph. 5:5-6, Col. 3:5-10, 1Thess. 4:3-8, 1John 1:6, 2:4-6, 3:6-10 - when John says in ONE letter THREE times that people who do not obey God are lying when they claim to know Him, we should take notice - remember, there is ONE God, NOT an Old Testament and New Testament God - Heb. 13:8, Mal. 3:6, 1Cor. 10:4, Isa. 44:8, Heb. 6:19-20, 7:3, Matt. 14:33 - and NOT a Son who is opposed to His Father - John 10:30, 8:29, Titus 1:16, 1John 3:12-13)

God's children have a higher standard of behavior because we are His children (NOT in order to become or work to remain His children), but remember, the firstborn receives the best blessing and inheritance, which can be reversed if that child "despises" their birthright - Gen. 25:29-34, 27:34, 38, John 1:12-13, 3:16-21, Jam. 1:18, Heb. 12:15-17, 22-24) We are to be separate from the world because we have been called out of it and our bodies are His temple. (2Cor. 6:14-7:1, John 15:19, 1Pet. 2:4-5, Eph. 2:21-22, 1John 2:15-17) His Spirit dwelling in us enables us to desire to know and to do His will instead of indulging our old sinful flesh. (Gal. 5:16, 24, Rom. 13:12-13, 14, 8:13-14, 1John 3:24, 4:13) If there is no evidence whatsoever of our being a "new creation," then we have good reason to wonder why not? (2Cor. 13:5, Rom. 6:4, 7:4-6, 8:9, Gal. 3:27, 6:15, 2Cor. 5:17, 2Pet. 1:9) There should progress toward Christ-likeness, showing that the Spirit is at work in us. (Rom. 12:2, Col. 3, 2Pet. 1:5-15, Eph. 4:17-32, 5:15-21, John 8:29, 15:8-10)

Does showing mercy mean that because we are all sinners, that NO ONE can expose ANY sins, EVER? No. The result of that would be a defiled Body of Christ. (Eph. 5:11-12, 1Cor. 4:21-5:13, 1Thess. 4:7, 1Pet. 1:16-17) We're not to be hypocritical by picking at the sins of others and yet continuing in our own. (Rom. 2:1-11, Matt. 7:3-5, 18:15-17) Being merciful also involves being impartial, but in our culture FAVOR is actually being shown to those who persist in certain sins. (1Tim. 5:20-21, Psa. 50:16-23) The "Golden Rule" is NOT "you look the other way when I sin and I'll do the same for you." (Matt. 7:12, Rom. 13:8-10, AND Rom. 13:11-14, 16:19, 6:15-23, 1Pet. 1:14-19) And why is it that many of the same people who shout the loudest for "mercy" and claim to be experts on what Jesus would have done often either accept "worship" (celebrity IDOLS, including some even in the church!) or they are among the adoring fans giving worship (adoration IS a form of worship) to their favorite, popular, rich celebrities, who are treated as if they can do no wrong (and even when caught in it, they are given a free pass by their "peeps")? (Jam. 2:5-7, 1Tim. 6:3-8, 9-11, 1John 4:5-6, Rom. 16:18, Rev. 2:20-23, Jude 1:4, 2Pet. 2:2-3)

Being loving and merciful doesn't mean affirming every behavior of a person, good or bad (or calling evil "good"). (Isa. 5:20-21, Luke 17:1-2, 3-4 - notice "rebuke" if your brother sins, and forgive him "IF he repents" - our brothers are the same as those of Jesus in Matt. 12:50 - the children of God - Heb. 2:11, 17, 3:1-15, Gal. 6:10, 4:31, 2Thess. 3:13-15, 1John 3:1.) Endorsing sin is NOT from the Bible (Rom. 1:32), but from our modern culture, which has been decaying for a LONG time now. If we saw that someone was doing something that will likely lead to their physical death, we would consider it loving to warn them, right? How much MORE so is that true, then, of behaviors that lead to spiritual, ETERNAL death? (Matt. 10:28, Rev. 21:7-8, 22:14-15, 1Cor. 6:9-20, Gal. 5:19-21) The fact is that if we stand for the truth (in LOVE), we will not be popular on this earth and will probably be persecuted--but it will be worth it to be able to hold our heads up, instead of hanging them down in shame, when we stand before Jesus as He judges our faithfulness to Him during this lifetime. (2Tim. 3:12-16, John 15:18-21, 1Cor. 3:12-18, Rom. 14:12, Rev. 11:18, 1Pet. 4:3-5, 1John 3:13)

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:10-16 (Also see Matt. 25:10-13, 25:26-30.)

But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. James 1:25

kit: Cozy Attic by Marta van Eck

Notice what "law" we believers are under - "the PERFECT law of liberty" - under which we will be judged and rewarded according to our faithful service. (Jam. 2:12, Gal. 5:13-16, 24, 6:2, John 15:12-17, Mark 12:28-34, Matt. 7:12, Rom. 13:8-10 - but don't forget Rom. 13:11-14 - 1Pet. 2:16, Matt. 25:14-30, 1Cor. 3:12-18, Rev. 11:18.) Judgment begins at the house of God and then works its way outward. (1Pet. 4:17-19, Heb. 4:12-13, 10:29-39, Rev. 22:11-15, Rom. 2:6-11, Ezek. 9:4-6, Mal. 3:13-4:3 - also see 1Pet. 2:9.)

immediate context:

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. James 1:19-27

(For more context and related passages, see Jam. 1:2-4, 12-16, 2:14-26, Gal. 6:1-10, Jam. 5:19-20, 2Tim. 2:22-26.)

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes. Matthew 7:21-29

That last sentence is also a good lesson for us today. We need to listen to JESUS, through the Bible, not to people who put the teachings and traditions of men equal to or worse yet, above the word of God. We have access to the original Hebrew and Greek to clarify the meaning in cases where there is uncertainty. Scripture interprets Scripture. If someone teaches any interpretation that contradicts other teachings in the Bible, then it is to be rejected (even if it has been accepted by many, even if it's a long-standing tradition). (Acts 17:11, 2Tim. 3:14-17, John 5:39, Luke 24:25-27, 44, Mark 7:6-9, 2Pet. 2, 3:15-18, Jude 1:4-23,  Matt. 7:15-27, 1Tim. 1:5-11, Titus 1:16, Jam. 3:1)

When we "rightly divide" the word, we bear in mind that some requirements of the Old Testament were foreshadows that have now been fulfilled, and some of them are still in effect, because they are STILL being fulfilled in Jesus. (2Tim. 2:15, Heb. 8:5-6, Col. 2:16-23) If we're WISE, we'll obey our Lord during this lifetime in order to have no need to be ashamed of how we used our FREEDOM when He returns. (1Thess. 4:1-8, 1Cor. 5:7-13, 6:18-20, Heb. 12:14, 28-29, 10:26-31, 12:15-17, 6:8-9, John 15:1-10, Matt. 13:40-42, 47-50, note these next two are consecutive passages in the same "conversation" - Matt. 24:36-51, 25:1-13, Mark 13:32-37, 2Pet. 2:18-22, Eph. 5:25-27, 31-32, Rev. 19:7-8, 21:7-8, Jude 1:24-25, Eph. 6:10-20, 1John 1:5-2:6, 2:28-29, Rom. 6, Col. 3:5-17, Eph. 4:17-5:33, 1Pet. 4:3-5, 1Thess. 5:4-11)

I have written many devotionals clarifying that obedience from the heart is a work of the Spirit in us, not something we WORK for, but YIELD to and submit to HIS doing works (bearing fruit) THROUGH us. (Gal. 5:19-24, Rom. 8:13-19, 7:4-6, 6:17-22, 16:19, 8:7-9, Jam. 4:4-10, 1John 2:15-17) It's revealing outwardly the true regeneration of our spirit by the Holy Spirit and the reality that we have been adopted as children of God. (Titus 2:11-3:8, Phil. 2:12-16, Rom. 12:1-2, 1John 3:1-10, note this immediately follows 1John 2:28-29.) My point is to encourage myself and all who love Christ to hold fast to Him, examining themselves as we were told to do (2Cor. 13:5, 12:20-13:2)--not to join the crowd on the broad road, but to stick to the narrow road. (John 14:15-26, 1Pet. 1:6-9, 1John 3:23-24, 5:3, 2Cor. 5:14-15, Heb. 10:24-39, Matt. 7:13-27, Luke 6:46-49, Mark 3:35, 1Cor. 16:22)

Brothers, join in imitating me [Paul], and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Philippians 3:17-21

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, who shuts and no one opens. “‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” Revelation 3:7-13 (Also see Mark 8:34-38, Heb. 12:3-13, 10:32-39, 2Tim. 2:3-7, Phil. 1:29-30, 1Pet. 2:19-21, 4:12-19, Matt. 5:10-16, Luke 6:22-23)

“At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.” Daniel 12:1

papers (blended) by Holliewood Studios and Marta van Eck

continuing:

“And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” Daniel 12:2-4

related:

For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. Matthew 24:21-22

While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 1 Thessalonians 5:3

“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:34-36

“I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works, and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.” Revelation 2:21-23

“Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction.” Isaiah 48:10

“Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, against the man who stands next to me,” declares the LORD of hosts. “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; I will turn my hand against the little ones. In the whole land, declares the LORD, two thirds shall be cut off and perish, and one third shall be left alive. And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The LORD is my God.’” Zechariah 13:7-9 (Also see Zech. 11:12-13, Matt. 26:14-16, 27:3-10.)

Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. “Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Revelation 7:13-17

And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear’s, and its mouth was like a lion’s mouth. And to it the dragon gave his power and his throne and great authority. One of its heads seemed to have a mortal wound, but its mortal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled as they followed the beast. And they worshiped the dragon, for he had given his authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?” And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. If anyone has an ear, let him hear: If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints. Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb and it spoke like a dragon. It exercises all the authority of the first beast in its presence, and makes the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed. It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people, and by the signs that it is allowed to work in the presence of the beast it deceives those who dwell on earth, telling them to make an image for the beast that was wounded by the sword and yet lived. And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain. Revelation 13:1-15 (Also see 2Thess. 2:9-12)

He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action. And the wise among the people shall make many understand, though for some days they shall stumble by sword and flame, by captivity and plunder. When they stumble, they shall receive a little help. And many shall join themselves to them with flattery, and some of the wise shall stumble, so that they may be refined, purified, and made white, until the time of the end, for it still awaits the appointed time. “And the king shall do as he wills. He shall exalt himself and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak astonishing things against the God of gods. He shall prosper till the indignation is accomplished; for what is decreed shall be done. He shall pay no attention to the gods of his fathers, or to the one beloved by women. He shall not pay attention to any other god, for he shall magnify himself above all. He shall honor the god of fortresses instead of these. A god whom his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts. He shall deal with the strongest fortresses with the help of a foreign god. Those who acknowledge him he shall load with honor. He shall make them rulers over many and shall divide the land for a price. Daniel 11:32-39

And he said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy.” “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. Revelation 22:10-21

He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For God shows no partiality. Romans 2:6-11

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:12-13

For any Jehovah's Witnesses (and also Mormons) reading this, it's very important to understand that the answer to the question below is NONE OF THEM (not "Michael" - also see Heb. 1:13-14).

For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”? Hebrews 1:5

Everything was made by, through and for Jesus. (Col. 1:15-23, Rom. 11:36, 1Cor. 8:5-6, John 1:1-3) He is the ONLY begotten Son of God, through the Holy Spirit overshadowing Mary. (Luke 1:35) The rest of us are adopted. (Gal. 4:4-7, Rom. 8:14-17, John 1:12-13, 1John 3:1-10) Jesus is ONE with the Father and will rule FOREVER, over US. (John 10:30, Isa. 9:6-7, Psa. 2, Heb. 1:10-12, Matt. 22:41-46, Luke 1:31-33, Rev. 22:3-5) We believers in Jesus as Lord and Savior (Rom. 10:9-10) are grafted in to Israel and made members of His household, IF we hold fast to HIM in faith. (Rom. 11:17-25, Heb. 3:1-15, 1Cor. 15:1-9, Gal. 4:10-11, Col. 2:16-19, Col. 3, Phil. 2:16, 2Cor. 6:1-2, Rev. 21:7) This is the upward call that we aspire and strive to---it's a HUGE privilege. (Phil. 3:14-21, Heb. 12:13-29, 10:36, 12:1-2, 1Pet. 2:1-12, 2Pet. 1:8-15)