Mercy and the Christian

Mercy and the Christian
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” 
James 2:12,13.
The other day I listened briefly to a program broadcast on an American network that we pick up over the air. They claim to be Christian yet all they seem to do is speak out against Muslims, Gays and many other groups.
Sadly all to many people calling themselves Christians are out there protesting against Gay rights, Muslims and others they disagree with. This is not showing love and mercy.
We need to be extending an olive branch to even those we disagree with and open a dialogue.
James the brother of Christ wrote,
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” 
James 2:12,13.
We do not know what is in the heart of men. We do not know why they do what they do or why they are what they are. Only God knows that.
As Christians we need to consider our actions.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone”
                                                                                           Romans 12:18
The writer of Hebrews saying
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” 
           Hebrews 12:14
Paul making it clear,
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  
gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”  
                                                                                        Galatians 5:22,23.
The apostle Peter wrote,
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 
Dear friends,
 I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 
                                                                                       1 Peter 2:9-12.
Jesus said,
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
                   Matthew 5:13-16.
If we are constantly criticizing those we disagree with. If we are constantly protesting against any group that the secular democratically elected government permits. We are not in my opinion doing God’s work.
Jesus and the apostles never spoke against the secular government of Rome no matter how much they must have disagreed with some practices. They lived with them and extended an olive branch. They did what they could to open dialogue with others.
As Christians we need to be considering our words and deeds very carefully. The eternal resting place of those around us may depend on it.
We really need to consider the words of Jesus who said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” 
           Matthew 7:12.
Please think about it.