James 2:12-13 (NIV)

12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Reflection:

What was the situation that we find James writing this letter to the Jewish Christians? Discrimination was a big problem, manifesting itself in favoritism, prejudice, and judgment. James tells it like it is - challenging the church to be merciful, especially to those who are underprivileged and poor. The passage says, if we are not merciful, God will not have mercy on us. And it shows that we truly do not understand or appreciate God’s mercy towards us.

It would be truly horrific to face judgment from God without mercy! But mercy tops it all!

Responding to the Transmission:

Let us take God’s word for what it says. It is a serious sin to not treat others with mercy - to show favoritism, to be prejudiced, and to judge others in a condemning way. Let us reflect on how we think about and treat others. What is our attitude? What do we say about others?

Let us ask God for mercy and forgiveness. In His mercy, He will forgive us. Then, let us ask God that we will be like Him and show mercy to those that God has put in our lives.