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 royal law. Instead, they were choosing to treat people differently based on differences such as economic or social status. After telling his readers that those who fulfilled the law were doing well, he followed it with “If, however, you show favoritism, you commit sin…” Violating God’s commands is always serious. We might think showing favoritism is pretty minor compared to sins like murder or theft, but all sin separates us from God. All sin destroys our testimony. All sin has unpleasant consequences. The interesting thing about this royal law is, if we do it, we’re less likely to break any of the commandments. Love…it changes everything. Here’s the thing that gives me a catch in my heart: I’ve personally experienced the mercy of the cross; I’ve personally received the righteousness of Christ. How, then, can I withhold mercy from others?
You May Also Like
Speaking the truth
It’s flat out not easy to be a Christian. People will reject you, hurl accusations at you, or ridicule you. But that doesn’t mean we should hush or change our behavior to match the world. Especially in this time when our religious freedoms are being trampled by those who are…
Proclaim it!
Has anyone ever tried to refute your faith? If it hasn’t happened yet, it will. Rather than arguing, there’s a simple response that no one can deny: your own testimony. The Sanhedrin couldn’t deny that a man who’d been crippled since birth was now standing and walking. You know what…
Hymn day: “We Have Heard the Joyful Sound”
HYMN DAY! “We Have Heard the Joyful Sound” by Priscilla Owens cannot be sung without enthusiasm. 1 We have heard the joyful sound: Jesus saves! Jesus saves! Spread the tidings all around: Jesus saves! Jesus saves! Bear the news to every land, Climb the steeps and cross the waves; Onward!—’tis…