November 26, 2025 - James 2

It seems as if, when people come to the epistle of James, that the focus is always placed on his instructions about faith and works, partiality, and the tongue.  Within the passage on showing partiality, there is this:  “For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it.  For he who said, ‘Do not commit adultery,’ also said, ‘Do not murder.  If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.  So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty.  For judgment is without mercy to one who has show no mercy.  Mercy triumphs over judgment” (2:10-13)

James seems to be giving a reminder that, at some point, all of us have transgressed the law.  We are to understand that we ourselves are adulterers or murderers or whatever.  We have received mercy and will be judged under the law of liberty.  As we have been treated, so we should treat others.  It is so easy to see the faults of others while missing our own.  God sees all our faults, however, and still he has shown mercy.  We must do likewise toward others.

The kingdom of God is justice and joy;

For Jesus restores what sin would destroy.

God’s power and glory in Jesus we know;

And here and hereafter the kingdom shall grow.

The kingdom of God is mercy and grace;

The captives are freed, the sinners find place,

The outcast are welcomed God's banquet to share;

And hope is awakened in place of despair.   -- Bryn Rees (1973)