Justice and Mercy...

Tim loves watching Court TV and court shows and anything that involves the justice system. I hate them! Really, I do. You know those shows like 20/20 that lay out a scenario and then proceed to share from both sides of the issue? They confuse me so much! I see the first side present their case and I usually end up totally convinced they are right...until the other side presents their case! Uughhhh! I would so make a terrible juror!

I have been working through an issue with a friend in which both of us had reached conclusions about the other. Our communication left much to be desired and only led to the breakdown of our relationship. Finally, I think because some faithful friends have been praying, this friend and I have been able to talk and share our hearts. It has been good for us because we have seen that there was another side than only the one we could see and we have been able to lay to rest some of the wrong conclusions that had been arrived at. I hurt her and she hurt me and ultimately it was because we both were much more able to see our own side of things!

My Bible study this morning was about mercy. It was a timely study and one, although I had done it a couple of years before, the Lord obviously knew I needed to hear again. I was reminded of this scripture...

Micah 6:8 (MsgB)
But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do,
what God is looking for in men and women.
It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,
be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don't take yourself too seriously—
take God seriously.

There is a reason that He says as much as it is possible for us we should live at peace with everyone. The burden of fractured relationships is one He doesn't desire for us to carry. We have a need to extend and receive mercy and grace and be compassionate and loyal in our love to one another! My friend and I have humbled ourselves and confessed and asked for forgiveness from each other. What a relief to be free from that burden.

Lord, thank You for the gift of mercy that You extended to us through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You that because of that gift, we can extend mercy to each other. Lord, help me to not take myself so seriously that I end up not taking You as seriously as I should. Please help me to walk in a way that is pleasing to You and that is just and fair to others. Thank You for restoration and healing that can be found only in You!