Friday, July 4 (June 21), 2025
Rom. 11:25-36; Mt. 12:1-8

“If ye had known what this meaneth, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless” [Mt. 12:7]. So, the way to getting rid of the sin of condemnation is through gaining mercy in the heart.

A merciful heart would refuse to condemn not only a possible violation of the law, but also a glaring one.  Instead of  judgment, it would be filled with pity, it would rather be ready to weep than to reproach.   Indeed, the sin of condemnation stems from a scornful, merciless heart which takes pleasure in putting down fellow men, in despising and humiliating him.  This is like a murder; it comes from the spirit of Satan who is “a murderer from the beginning” [Jn.8:44].  From the same source comes much slander as well, for spreading slander is in Satan’s nature. 

Make sure to find compassion in your soul every time the evil urge of condemnation besets you.  Then, with a compassionate heart, bring your prayer to the Lord, asking His mercy for us all, not only for that one whom you wanted to condemn, but for yourself as well, maybe even more than for anyone else, ─ and the evil in your heart will wane.

Read more about the author