James 2:13 (Devotion)

"For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment."

As we have learned studying James, faith application of God's Word is paramount in producing fruit that publicly testifies to our identity in Christ. It defines who we are and points to God as the motivation for our behavior. Our application of Scripture cannot be emphasized enough in its importance to the survival of true, Biblical Christianity, but it must glorify God and not self.

Our application must be others-focused as James illustrates, and he uses a simple example of showing mercy rather than casting judgment. Why? Perhaps it is because when we reflect upon the infinite amount of mercy God shows us every day by not punishing us for the sins we commit as His Law requires, we are compelled to exude the same amount of mercy to others who are living in sin. Perhaps it is because judgment is not a responsibility God gave us, but one only He administers. Or perhaps it is a reminder straight from the mouth of the Holy Spirit to not think more highly of ourselves than we ought, lest we be judged according to the standard we hold others to.

In any case, the point James makes is that we must practice what we preach. We must be accountable first. We must take the lead first, and apply the Word universally in our lives. We must seek to forgive, give grace, and show mercy first, as a reflection of what God has graciously given us despite our failures. And in doing so, we will redefine how society views Christians because we are not waiting for others to change, but taking the lead first to change our own lives from the inside-out. We must lead by example to this lost generation, in prayer that our behavior will testify to the power of the Holy Spirit at work in our hearts.

Our mission is clear. We simply need to step forward in faith and choose to love others by pointing them to the freedom that God's Word provides to those who put their faith and trust in the saving power of Jesus Christ. And that begins with our obedient application of Scripture, without excuse, for only God is righteous enough to judge sin. Our response is simply to remember who He is and allow Him to judge, while we show others grace and mercy according to His Word.