Week 7 Day 1 Devotions
The Law That Gives Freedom
“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
The text before us today is tucked between two better-known sections of James’ letter. Preceding our text verses James has asked us to examine ourselves with regard to our responses to two different types of people who might come to our meetings: the very rich and the very poor and he warns us about showing favouritism. This teaching is for us today as much as it was for those to whom James wrote and of course doesn't only apply in our church meetings, but in all our relationships. He then goes on and refers to the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbour as yourself.” In the verse following our text verses James asks what good it is to claim to have faith but to have no deeds. Our text mentions speaking and acting which together cover almost all human behaviour. Think about the next day in your life and in particular of any possible contacts which might arise with the hungry, the thirsty, the poorly clothed, with strangers or foreigners, the sick and even those in prison. Think about what you will say and do in the situations which might arise. Are you tempted to judge those who might be in the the abovementioned situations or are you “tempted” to show mercy? Is there anything you can do now to prepare for any close encounters which might arise? (This preparation is often as simple as just having a few extra sandwiches at hand, or a packet of old clothes and then asking God to show you who He wants you to give them to.)
While some might see this as a burden, James suggests beautifully that the law of God actually sets us free to behave this way. God's law and in particular the royal law to love your neighbour as yourself is not a burden; instead, it sets us free because we are obeying out of joy, the joy that flows from having experienced mercy ourselves.
What will it mean to let mercy triumph over judgment today?
O that all the art might know
Of living thus to thee!
Find their heaven begun below,
And here thy glory see!
Walk in all the works prepared
By thee to exercise their grace,
Till they gain their full reward,
And see thy glorious face! (316)
