I was reviewing James Chapters 1 & 2 on the way to the office yesterday when all of the sudden, one of the verses sent shudders down my spine: 

James 2:13 says, “For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.”

The first part of :13 is what affected me so much: “judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy.”  “Merciless.” Judgment from God Almighty that is without mercy. That is indeed a chilling thought.

The only hope any of us has of heaven is the mercy of God. The sins we have committed are virtually innumerable: all our acts of disobedience to God; all the things we should not have said; the poor attitudes we displayed — not to mention the ungodly thoughts we harbored — no wonder the scripture says that it is only by His mercies that we are not consumed (Lamentations 3:22).  Our only hope of salvation is the mercy of God that He demonstrated towards us in Jesus Christ.

But consider the teaching of this verse: if we do not show mercy to others for their outright offences, their thoughtless words, or their bad attitudes  — then the judgment of all-powerful God, who knows every corner of your heart,  will be “merciless” towards you!

The prospect ought to send chills down our spines!  More than that, it should remind us to be merciful in our attitude and judgment towards every single person we know.  The alternative is terrifying.