My Corner Online

 

James 2:12-13

 

Everything we say and do should be under the umbrella of God's judgment under the law of liberty. I am sinful by genetics. I am unable to keep the whole law. I am guilty. I am guilty under the law of liberty that is freely given through Jesus Christ. It is the law that sets me free from my sins. It is the Will of God that sets me free from my sins. Law and "Will" can be used interchangeably. There it is! The guilt and mercy principle! Through Christ's justification I am pronounced guilty no more. I stand before Christ to be judged (2 Corinthians 5:10) and I am saved by mercy through faith from the punishment for my sins. Mercy trumps judgment.  Mercy triumphs over judgment. Mercy wins! Only God in His mercy forgives and we should pass on this forgiveness to others. This ties back in to the previous verses on not being partial in giving forgiveness to others. This also is another beatitude restated by James, Matthew 5:7, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy."  Other verses: Matthew 6:14-15, " For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 18:22 “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." Ephesians 4:32, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

P.S. I was drawn to write about grace and mercy, but this verse only refers to mercy. Mercy is God not punishing me for sins I deserve and delivering me from judgment. Grace is God blessing me (being kind) even though I do not deserve it and am unworthy.

Self-check: Do I show mercy to others or do I hold a rigid stand on my principles and my self-righteousness?

Father, thank You for Your word which reveals and cleanses of unrighteousness. Lord forgive me if I am acting on my own righteousness. Show where I fail to show mercy.