Thursday, July 8

Mercy triumphs over judgment.
—James 2:13b

Life isn't black and white, either/or, this or that. As the movie Solaris reminds us, "There are no answers, only choices."  

When choices are made in life, those choices are rarely as clear-cut as we would like them to be. Most often we make choices based on the best information available, but those choices are informed as much by the history we have lived, the experience and background we have known, and the environment in which our life has been shaped as they are by the specifics of the current situation.

Often mistakes are made. We can move in a direction that turns out to be hurtful to others or in opposition to what is right and good. We have all made such errant choices. 

Perhaps one of the reasons we are quick to judge others is that we are so disappointed in our own choices. We feel unable to allow mercy to wash over our own souls, so we are hesitant to give others mercy as well. Judgment of self and others causes our souls to shrink and crack. Judgment brings death, mercy brings life.

Don't be afraid to be merciful to yourself or others. It is the balm that soothes the failings of the soul.

Where my soul is cracked and dry from poor choices, O God, come with the moisture of Your mercy, that I may live and breathe freely again.

These Signposts originally appeared on explorefaith in 2003.