Read James 2:5–13
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law
that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be
shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs
over judgment!
James 2:12–13
License (doing whatever we want to do) is the worst kind of bondage.
Liberty means the freedom to be all that we can be in Jesus Christ.
License is confinement; liberty is fulfillment.
The Word is called “the law that gives freedom” because God sees
our hearts and knows what we would do if we were free to do so. If
we obey God only because of His rules, we are not really maturing as
Christians. God’s Word can change our hearts and give us the desire
to do God’s will, so that we obey from inward compulsion.
Our beliefs should control our behavior. If we really believe that
Jesus is the Son of God, and that God is gracious, His Word is true,
and one day He will judge us, then our conduct will reveal our convictions. Before we attack those who do not have orthodox doctrine, we
must be sure that we practice the doctrines we defend.
One of the tests of the reality of our faith is how we treat other
people. Can we pass the test?
Something to Ponder
If a stranger observed your behavior for a week, do you think that
person could accurately determine your beliefs? Explain.