A Judge with a Heart

Recently, I read this story about Fiorello La Guardia, the beloved mayor of New York City. They called him “The Little Flower,” and he was known for his big heart, humility, and hands-on approach to leadership. During the Great Depression, one cold winter night, he decided to visit Night Court in one of the city's poorest areas. And as he took the judge’s bench, a trembling man was brought before him, accused of stealing a loaf of bread.

Now, the man admitted the crime but pleaded that his family was starving and he had no other choice. La Guardia listened carefully. Then he said, “I’m sorry, but the law is the law. I have to fine you ten dollars.” But just as he said it, he reached into his own pocket, pulled a ten-dollar bill, and said, “I’ll pay the fine for you.”

Friends, that’s exactly what God did for us through Jesus. In life, we all come into the courtroom of God’s justice. And the truth is, we’re all guilty of something. Romans 3:23 tells us clearly: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Maybe you messed up. Maybe you’ve made decisions you're not proud of. You say, “But Lord, I didn’t mean to… I was desperate… I was hurting.”

And God, as a good and just judge, doesn’t ignore the law. He doesn’t pretend we didn’t fall. He says, “The law is the law. The wages of sin is death.” But then He turns around, reaches into heaven, and pays the price Himself—through the blood of Jesus Christ, so we can walk out of this courtroom free, forgiven, and redeemed.

And if you’ve received that kind of grace, God expects you to share it. Jesus said, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” When someone falls, don’t kick them while they’re down. Don’t be the one who points fingers, but offer them a hand. Be the one who says, “I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to feel broken, to feel ashamed. But let me tell you what God did for me. Let me help lift you up.”

You never know, you might be the reason someone gets back on their feet. You might be the turning point in someone’s story.