June 11: Insight Post by Rusty Coram

  -   June 11, 2025

Mercy Over Judgment: Jesus teaches that the way we judge others will be the measure by which we are judged. He calls us to extend mercy and grace rather than harsh judgment, reminding us that we too are in need of God’s mercy.

Wednesday Verse

So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you. James 2:12-13 (NLT)

Wednesday Questions

Do I approach others with mercy or a critical spirit? How can I show more compassion and grace in my interactions with those around me?

Wednesday Insight Post
by Rusty Coram

Harold Bullock was my pastor and friend when Becky and I lived in Fort Worth, TX, and his wisdom and guidance have continued to influence me. I remember him saying that a way to do a quick “spiritual health assessment” is to look at two metrics: (1) my forgiving and (2) my giving. If I have pulled back or am lacking in either, it will directly impact my closeness to Jesus. Our reading this week verifies this. In Luke, we read, “Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” Luke 6:37, 38 (NLT).

Now it is true that people can forgive others and not be followers of Jesus, and the same can be said of generous giving. But the point Jesus is making here is that you cannot be a fully devoted follower if you aren’t a forgiver and giver. These two characteristics are central to God’s character, and all who choose to follow Him are called to imitate His ways. When we genuinely forgive someone, we are following in our Savior’s footsteps, whose love and forgiveness allowed us to become part of His family. Our forgiving others when they have wronged us shows we understand the grace we have been given. In the same way, when we give (either forgiveness or other gifts) without expecting something in return, it shows we understand how generous God has been to us. When we forgive and give as a regular pattern in our relationship with others around us, we are showing that we truly understand God’s love and have adopted His ways as ours. I believe it is a true statement that we are never closer to Christ than when we are actively forgiving and generously giving.

Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor

New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org