Have I told you I love playing cards? Any kind– just teach me, and I’m in.
Years ago, my mom taught me how to play Spades. Without going into all the rules, you just need to know that any card with a Spade is wild, meaning it trumps all other cards. For example, a 2 of Spades is of greater value than an Ace or King of Hearts.
There’s a scripture in the Book of James that reminds me of Spades: “For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13). One day as I was praying, this scripture came to mind. Except in my spirit I said, “Mercy trumps judgment (just like Spades).” I easily understood what the Holy Spirit was showing me. In a game of Spades, a little-bitty 2 of Spades will always trump something much bigger in another suit– and so are the ways of God.
A little mercy always trumps great judgment!
2 Samuel 24:14 says, “Please let us fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are great; but do not let me fall into the hand of man.” Isn’t that the truth?! Kenneth Copeland once said, “When somebody hurts us, our natural human reaction is to strike back… to ask God to clobber them. But that’s not God’s way.” And he’s right. The Bible is very clear on God’s way of doing things:
“For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive. And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon you” (Psalm 86:5).
“But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children” (Psalm 103:17).
“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).
“Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy” (Micah 7:18).
Brother Copeland went on to tell a story about some family members who had been robbed. He said he was upset and prayed asking God why this happened. But the Holy Spirit showed him that sometimes the person we want to get back at may very well have a praying grandmother, or someone standing in the gap for them. So instead of being unmerciful and vindictive, we should unite ourselves in prayer with God’s heart and resist the devil on this person’s behalf.
He said, “That’s real intercession and it throws the forces of darkness into total confusion. They have absolutely no defense against it.”
Don’t underestimate what God can do.
I can’t tell you how many times in a card game I thought I had a great hand with big cards, only to be beaten by someone who had a bunch of little Spades. In the same way, the devil may think he’s got people, things, and situations lined up just as he wants it, but when a child of God throws mercy on it, the devil loses!
The devil doesn’t think much of mercy– but God does.
So the next time you feel like clobbering someone or passing judgment on them, remember that righteousness is also an action. God has showered us with great mercy. He wants us to extend it to others. And trust me, He’ll help you.
The Lord gives mercy to those who show mercy.
