James 2:12-13 So
speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. For
judgment will be without mercy to anyone who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs
over judgment. (NRSV)
Liberty is a big thing in
the United States. Many of our folks would defend it at the cost of our lives
and when we feel it is being suppressed or encroached upon, we speak out
against those who are hindering or harming our right to be free. Our fierce
independence is entwined with our liberty, so, therefore, it is not something to
be trampled on or carelessly neglected.
However, James the brother
of Jesus had a different notion about liberty because he associated it with
acts of mercy. His belief as a Christian was that liberty is not the right to
do what we want (that’s actually anarchy), it is a God-given, unalienable right
which we should freely use to show mercy to others. In other words, because God
graciously and mercifully grants us freedom, we should aspire to justly and
liberally do the same.
Justice and mercy are the
fruits of a free and faithful people. Liberty is not a selfish right we
fiercely possess; it is a gracious gift that we as Christians should want to share.
When we fail or deliberately choose not to show mercy, we place ourselves under
God’s judgment, so we should be very careful about how we express our freedom. If
we use it as a weapon to deny others grace, justice, and love, then we are in
danger of giving God no other choice but to judge us by our own standards. So,
let’s all try to live our lives as Christ once put it: ‘Blessed are the
merciful for they will receive mercy.’ (Matthew 5:7)
Application: Do I use
my freedom to apply mercy to others, or am I guilty of preserving my liberty
solely for myself?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You
purchased God’s mercy for us by dying on the Cross even though we did not
deserve such a gracious blessing. You freed us from the slavery of sin and selfishness.
Challenge our ideas and opinions, as well as our hearts and minds, to not only
receive Your mercy but to show the same to all. In Your Holy Name, we humbly
pray. Amen.
John Stuart is the pastor
of Erin Presbyterian Church in
Knoxville, Tennessee. Come and join us for worship on Sunday at 11:00 AM. You
will be made very welcome 😊
Today’s image is one of
John’s latest drawings based on the beautiful Micah 6v8 Bible verse. If you
would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Mercy.
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