As the sinners we all are, we quickly want to judge, while all the time God wants to show us mercy. Why are we so judgmental when it comes to others, but when we find ourselves in judgment we want mercy? Thankfully, our God has mercy on us! When we clearly understand just how merciful He is, we will begin to understand and be less judgmental. We will strive to show mercy to others. To walk like Christ did, as He instructs us to do, we must change how we look at people.

Although you might not think so, judging is a favorite pastime among men and women today. Another word for judging is gossiping. Correct me if I am wrong, but when we are gossiping about others we are judging. It is so easy to sit back with our friends, co-workers and even our church family and give our opinion (which is a judgment) of another person. We may call it sharing or sadly some of us call it, “just making it known” so we can pray for them. Yes, because of our sinful nature, judging others is much easier than having compassion and sympathy as God teaches us to do. We do not have to know all the facts or details, nor do we need to have been in their shoes.

Mercy is God withholding punishment that we deserve because of our sinfulness. He has sympathy, compassion and mercy for us. Our Bible is clear to tell us not to judge, so we will not be judged, for how we judge others will be how we (ourselves) are judged. Our God is the only judge and He has promised to pass His judgment on all. Even when a person is guilty or appears to be guilty, God is still the ultimate judge. It is for us to have mercy and compassion for all, just as He does.

Think about it, do we not all stand guilty ourselves? Yet, He shows us mercy! If not for God’s mercy none of us would be here today. Because of our sins we all deserve to be judged, punished and condemned. It is because of His compassion and mercy that He forgives us. Unfortunately we do not always recognize or remember God’s mercies. Somehow it seems easier to focus on the person's miseries or misfortunes than it is to focus on God’s mercy. At least that is, until it is us who stands in judgment.

If you have not received the free gift of salvation, your judgment has already been set. Receive Him today! While men will want to judge you, God will show His mercy for you!