“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
On December 25, 2015 in Rock Hill South Carolina, longtime Municipal Judge Ray Long, a Baptist preacher, held court wearing a red sweater. He has white hair and a white beard and is stout. Yes – Judge Long looks like Santa Claus.
People accused of crimes from drunken driving to domestic violence to being drunk in public to shoplifting appeared in the tiny courtroom via video monitoring from the jail in the building. Judge Long used the word “mercy” several times during his decisions from the bench that Christmas Day.
One case involved a woman who was caught shoplifting a gift for her son.
Judge Long said help was available for the poor from so many places.
“If you had come to this police department and told somebody you needed Christmas for your children, somebody would have gotten your children Christmas,” said the judge.
The judge asked how many toys the child was set to receive on Christmas, with his mother in jail.
“One toy,” the woman said.
Judge Long then asked the woman how old was her child.
“He’s 7,” the woman replied.
The woman spoke of her father watching the son while she was jailed, and how her father has liver cancer. The woman then said words that caused the quiet little courtroom to be even more hushed.
“My son is disabled – special needs – and he can’t talk,” the woman said. “He likes things that spin. Things with wheels.”
The judge wept, and then wiped his eyes and his nose. Everyone in the courthouse was silent.
Judge Long counseled the woman to ask for help and not steal. He told her she would get a personal recognizance bond and be out soon.
Then he pulled out his wallet and turned to a police officer.
“Run by Walgreen’s – they are open today,” Judge Long said. “I saw it on my way in.”
Judge Long cried as he sat waiting for the officer to return with a toy for the boy.
The Lord is merciful and mercy triumphs over evil and brings reconciliation. Today in prayer, praise Christ for His mercy and seek to be merciful to others.
“Do you wish to receive mercy? Show mercy to your neighbor.” – John Chrysostom
God’s Word: “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8
By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 2016, Devotional E-Mail
DEVOTIONS IN JAMES