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.
Some people have told me that they feel put off by James’ letter because of his emphasis on what they call “works.” There seems to be a lot of confusion on this point. Paul spends a lot of time in his writings defending the Gentile Christians against the demands of Jewish law. Time and again he returns to this theme which is summed up in his letter to the Ephesians:
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2: 8-9)
The “works” that Paul refers to are a kind of righteousness defined by the laws of Moses. These are the laws of the covenant or agreement God made with the Israelites through Moses. (If you would like to know more about this covenant in general terms read Deuteronomy, chapters 27-30.) Under this agreement, the Israelites were to remain faithful to God. Not just in their actions, but in their hearts as well. God taught the Israelites the difference between right and wrong actions in the hope that their hearts would follow.
Sadly, that didn’t work.
After the resurrection of Jesus, he gave those who believe in Him the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God in direct contact with our hearts. Instead of giving us rules to follow, God gives us Himself.
James’ letter is written in response to Jewish Christians who misunderstand this principle. Instead of following the leading of the Holy Spirit, they are following their worldly instincts. Instead of showing love to all who are brothers and sisters in the faith, they show love to those who are rich in worldly wealth and they ignore those who are rich in godly wealth.
James says “… speak and act as those who are going to be judged…”
If we believe we have escaped judgment because we affirm our faith with our lips while our hearts remain filled with evil thoughts, James would say we have an unhappy surprise coming. God sees our hearts. That fact is clear. Lips that say one thing while the heart does another does not fool God. Not even for a second.
James holds a mirror up to our face and says, “Look!” He wants us to examine whether our words match what is in our heart.
Application: Take a few minutes to think about how closely your heart reflects God’s Holy Spirit. Then examine how your heart is reflected in how you speak and act.
Food for Thought: What is the ”law that gives freedom?”
The law that James is referring to at this point is not the law of Moses. It is referring to the law planted in us (verse 21). This is the law of Christ, the law of love. It gives freedom because it is based on the finished work of Christ and a relationship with Him.
In the previous comment, I should have stated James 1: 21 and not just verse 21.
Thanks Rich!
There is amazing freedom in love!