Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Beyond the Gospels: James

Today's verses: James 2:1-13
[Open up the Word by clicking the reference or flipping the pages of your Bible.]

Mercy triumphs over judgment.
James 2:13

Judging others. Practicing favoritism. We're all guilty of it at one time or another. But as followers of Jesus, participants in the New Covenant, we are to live by the law that gives freedom. The law of grace and mercy.

When we judge others because of their particular sin, which of course is not ours, we refuse to give mercy and miss the truth that even one little white lie makes us guilty of all sin. Even the one we've never committed.

Lawbreakers are lawbreakers.

When we judge others behavior by removing support, we become a stumbling block to them. Put them in a place of temptation to practice favoritism, kowtow, rather than serve at the leading of the Holy Spirit. We ourselves fall prey to the sin of favoritism supporting only what we prefer.

Judgment is judgment.

We are called to mercy, brothers and sisters! Pouring out grace freely onto others just as it has been poured out on us!

I'm convinced that those who refuse to offer grace and continue to live their lives based on judgment have no clue of their own sins or the grace Jesus offers to them each and everyday.

The good news of the gospel is: Mercy triumphs over judgment!

In His most gracious and merciful name, learn to practice it each and every day.

Father God, ruthlessly reveal judgment in my life! Pull out the root cause.
Open my eyes to the true nature of my heart. And the true nature of Yours.
Bless me with Your mercy today that I may offer it to others in Your name.

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