James 2:12-13 So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
"So speak" as one who is slow to speak, slow to wrath, but swift to hear (1:19). "So speak" as one who is not just religiously shallow, but as one who has control of their speech, and is careful not to ruin their testimony (1:26). "So do" as one who is a doer of the Word, and not just a hearer (1:22). For the one who speaks too quickly, and is quick to judge another, or fails to be a doer, who fails to love both God and man, will be judged in the same manner in which they have judged (Matthew 7:1-5). If we show partiality, and show mercy toward one person over another, because of some personal bias or wrongful judgment we make, we will be judged in like manner by the law of liberty. The law of liberty being the "Gospel law of love" (James-Fausset-Brown). This is the law that makes us free from the curse of the law, yet makes us free to fulfill the law by actively loving our neighbor, without partiality. The bottom line is this, Jesus clearly stated, in Matthew 9:13, "I desire mercy and not sacrifice." The same mercy that God has shown us, in Christ Jesus, is the same mercy we are called to show others, without being a respecter of persons. When it's all said and done, if we are going to err, let us err on the side of mercy and grace.
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
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