Today’s Reading:
JAMES 2:8-13
"For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment?" (v. 13)

James makes it clear about the alternatives to being impartial. Love is right and good. Favouritism is a sin and stands convicted. James was optimistic; the “if-clause” in the phrase “if you fulfil the royal law.” The “royal law” was given in Leviticus 19:18 and affirmed by Christ (Matt. 22:39): “Love your neighbour as yourself.” The law is royal because it is decreed by the King of kings, is fit for a king, and is considered the king of laws. Why is “love thy neighbour” called “the royal law”? For one thing, it was given by the King. God the Father gave it in the Law, and God the Son reaffirmed it to His disciples (John 13:34). God the Spirit fills our hearts with God’s love and expects us to share it with others (Rom. 5:5). True believers are “taught of God to love one another” (1 Thess. 4:9).
But “love thy neighbour” is the royal law for a second reason: it rules all the other laws. “Love is the fulfilling of the Law” (Rom. 13:10). There would be no need for the thousands of complex laws if each citizen truly loved his neighbours. The “royal law” is the law of love, a law superior to all other laws. When James says, “If you show partiality, you are sinning,” James is alluding to Lev 19:15, which prohibits favouritism to either the poor or the rich. What James is saying is that loving others as ourselves with non-preferential love is the answer or response to those who show favouritism. Christian love means treating others the way God has treated me. It is an act of the will, not an emotion that I try to manufacture. The motive is to glorify God. The means to do this is the power of the Spirit within (“for the fruit of the Spirit is love”). As I act in love toward another person, I may find myself drawn more and more to them, and I may see in them (through Christ) qualities that before were hidden from me.
We shall be judged “by the Law of liberty.” Why does James use this title for God’s Law? For one thing, when we obey God’s Law, it frees us from sin and enables us to walk in liberty (Ps.119:45). Also, law prepares us for liberty. A child must be under rules and regulations because he or she is not mature enough to handle the decisions and demands of life. The child is given outward discipline so that he or she might develop inward discipline, and one day be free of rules. Total obedience is the key. One must both habitually speak and act as those to be judged by the Law. God’s Law (called the law of liberty here), because of its wise constraints, brings true freedom (cf. 1:25). Disobedience to God’s Law brings judgment. And to those who have not been merciful, James gives a strong warning that God’s judgment will be without mercy. Just as love triumphs over prejudice, “mercy triumphs over judgment.” The verb “triumphs” or “exults over” appears only here, in James 3:14, and in Romans 11:18. Believers who do not practice partiality, but who practice love (vv. 5, 8) and mercy, will triumph at the judgment seat. Those who have not shown mercy will not receive mercy.
Conclusion: God judges that for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23). The soul that sinned, shall die (Ezekiel 18:20). Every human being is condemned to die due to our sins but God’s mercy through the death by the blood of Jesus Christ on the cross, has given us victory over death and Satan.
OLAJIDE OGUNFUWA
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud:
Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I believe and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart, keep me from all evil, and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank You, Lord!
If you said the above short prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest, as the case may be.
Prayers:
I declare that the Lord shall be my only God that I will serve with my entire family, nothing will be able to separate us from you Lord.
Oh Lord, bless my children. Give them an everlasting covenant and cover them from the hands of the wicked that may seek for their lives in Jesus’ name.
Father, establish your covenant upon me and my household, let my seeds feel the power of your goodness and mercy in Jesus’ name.
Let your heavens open upon our church leaders and grant them grace to overcome every obstacle and in your mercy help them to fulfil their purpose in Jesus’ name.
God have mercy on Nigeria, let your mercy prevail over judgment in this nation in Jesus' name. Amen
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