As I said on Tuesday, I’ve personally experienced the justice and mercy of the cross. Because I’ve received mercy, I know how to give mercy. As receivers of God’s mercy, we’re expected to extend mercy to others. Showing favoritism for any reason is never merciful. Let me see with His…
Speaking and acting covers our interactions with others. We are free to behave however we please. We are free to say whatever we want to. But we will be judged for the things we do and say—most especially those things that grieve the Lord. As His children, we are to…
“God of Mercy, God of Grace” might not be familiar to you. This was originally a poem written by Henry Frances Lyte, a pastor in Ireland in the early 1800s. The words were put to music by Conrad Kocher in 1838, and were published in The English Hymnal in 1906.…
James reminded his readers of something they should already know. Jesus instructed His followers to love their neighbors…and by neighbors, He meant anyone with whom His followers came into contact. Love must serve anyone in need. That James gave this reminder tells us his readers weren’t really abiding by the…
James is pretty direct with this command: Do not show favoritism. Apparently he’d received word that the wealthy were being given preferential treatment in the houses of worship, were offered the nicest seats while the poor were relegated to the back of the room or even the floor. James was…
We live in a society that’s pretty much “me” centered. But selfishness has no place in a Christian’s life. The way we treat others, especially those who aren’t in a position to do anything for us in return, says a lot about our character. My mom used to call good…
“As a rudder steers a ship, the tongue steers your life. Watch your words.” —Anonymous *ouch* Between that quote, and the verse from James, I think my toes just got stomped. Did you know that Merriam-Webster defines a Christian as “a person who believes in Jesus Christ and follows His…
HYMN DAY! “Come, All Christians, Be Committed” by Eva B. Lloyd delivers a strong challenge to everyone who proclaims Christ as Lord. Verse 1 Come all Christians be committed To the service of the Lord Make your lives for Him more fitted Tune your hearts with one accord Come into…
Years ago, when I took classes to teach preschoolers, an instructor told us, “Catch’em being good.” Kids want attention; if you give them attention for good behavior, they’re much less likely to seek your focus by misbehaving. Every choice of life comes with consequences. I much prefer good consequences—in other…
The conjunction “but” tells us this verse builds on another. That another is James 1: 21, which ends, “…humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save you.” Sound advice for all of us! Once we receive the Word, we have a responsibility: to do. When my girls were…
