When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?
In today’s passage, James provides three important points about the law and judging. Please remember that the “law” is what Jesus summarized in Matthew 22: 37-40:
Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.
Remember also that James is concerned about people showing favoritism to the “rich.” They claim to have faith with their mouths but do not live their faith with their deeds. They use their tongue in ungodly ways. People who know God’s law and still do these things show a disregard for God’s law.
First James tells us that we who claim to love God’s law sit in judgment when we do not obey it.
Next, he points out that there is only one Lawgiver and Judge.
Third, the Judge is the (only) one that can save or destroy.
Finally, he asks, “… who are you to judge your neighbor?”
So who are you? For that matter who am I to judge anyone else?
This does not mean that we cannot judge behavior. The Bible is full of guidelines like James’ instructions on not discriminating between rich and poor. The reason for these instructions is so that we know when we are obeying God’s law.
Who is more important? You or me or God?
Application: Imagine being in a courtroom before a judge. Now act that way all the time.
Food for Thought: What does it mean to love God above all else? How does that affect our behavior?
If we love God above all else then we will also live for God above all else.
“Aye, there’s the rub!” as the movie pirates used to say. In a sense you have summarized the whole book of James in one sentence! If we love God, then our love will be demonstrated in our lives – what James would call our “deeds.” The trick is being willing to examine our behavior with an open eye. What do our “deeds” really say about what we love?