Mercy over judgement
Mercy over judgement "For if you refuse to act kindly, you can hardly expect to be treated kindly. Kind mercy wins over harsh judgment every time. (Jas.2.13 MSB) The age-long sayings, "One good turn deserves another" and "Do unto others as you would have them do to you" hold sway in this regard. Treat others kindly, and expect to be treated kindly. That means it is only after we have rendered mercy, that can we truly expect mercy. This truth is consistent with what Jesus taught in the prayer lesson in Matthew 6. "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:" (Matt.6.12-14) Notice it did not say if you do not forgive men but if you forgive men... your heavenly father will also forgive you. I say that to say that God expects it from us because as a father, he has standing forgiveness awaiting you. This ties into what James teaches in chapter 2. It