"So speak and so act, as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment" (James 2:12-13).
Divine judgment has never been a popular topic of conversation. Godly people throughout history have been ridiculed, persecuted, and even killed for proclaiming it. In their efforts to win the approval of men, false teachers question or deny it. But James 2:12-13 reminds us that judgment will come, so we'd better live accordingly.
Sharing the gospel always has to be with gentleness, compassion, and mercy. Yet, without compromise! We as Believers need to tell the whole truth in love. When we “cut n’ paste” a gospel message to please others, we are not acting in love, but deception. There is nothing worse than giving someone a false hope.
Many times our compromise comes down to one word—fear. Instead of a healthy fear of God, we fear the opinions of others. We become reduced to people pleasers which is an act of selfishness.
The basis for divine judgment is God's Word, which James called "the law of liberty" (v. 12). It is a liberating law because it frees you from sin's bondage and the curse of death and hell. The very thing that is freedom for the true believer in Christ is bondage for the unbeliever. There is no in-between!
It is the agency of the Spirit's transforming work, cutting deep into your soul to judge your thoughts and motives (Heb. 4:12). It gives you the wisdom that leads to salvation, and equips you for godly living (2 Tim. 3:15-17). It imparts truth and discernment, freeing you from error and spiritual deception. It is in every sense a law of freedom and liberation for those who embrace it and obey with a joyful heart.
The law liberates believers but condemns unbelievers. The phrase "judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy" (v. 13) speaks of unrelieved judgment in which every sin receives its fullest punishment. That can only mean eternal hell!
If the Word is at work in you, its effects will be evident in the way you speak and act. If you are impartial and merciful to people in need, that shows you are a true Christian and have received God's forgiveness and mercy yourself. If you show partiality and disregard for the needy, the law becomes your judge, exposing the fact that you aren't truly redeemed.
No Believer always acts in mercy towards all people in need, but our desire should be for mercy. When we are in sin and acting out of anger, disappointment, or frustration we can become so self-absorbed we don’t care about others. At this point, we need to go back to the gospel message we received and remember Jesus died for our sins and showed us mercy. If this means nothing but words, we need to search our hearts.
Are you a merciful person? Do you seek to provide for others without favoritism? When you fail to do so, do you confess your sin and seek forgiveness and restoration? Those are marks of true faith. This is another reason the step-study groups are so essential to our spiritual growth. We need to examine ourselves in the community of others who seek growth in Christ.
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