A Clay Jar

Encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. (1 Thess. 2:12 NIV)

Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment

James 2:12-13

Published on:

Last Updated on:

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. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

James 2:12-13 NIV

The first half of this second chapter of James deals with showing favoritism. In particular within the context of church gatherings. It would have been tempting to show preferential treatment to those that their society considered as powerful. It seems natural to show diffidence to the influential among us. Especially since it may be to our benefit to do so.

By way of example, James introduces two characters. One is a man in fine clothes, so probably wealthy. The other is a poor man in filthy clothes. When the church is gathered, and these two come in, it would be tempting to give the man in good clothes the best seat and relegate the other man to the floor. But James says that when we do that, we become judges with evil thoughts. We sin against our brother.

It is not just a person’s clothes that might cause us to judge another, or to show favoritism. It might be the color of their skin; how much of their skin is covered with tattoos; the color and style of their hair; or the way they smell. Most of us, if we are willing to admit it, probably have a tendency to show favoritism to some people over others. It is natural for us to prefer those who are most like us. Or, maybe, most like what we wish we were.

Show Mercy

But James calls on us to show mercy rather than judge by appearances. To love our neighbor as ourselves. Not just those who are like us. But everyone we come in contact with. Treat them as people created and loved by God. Show mercy to them, rather than judgment. James warns us that if we are not merciful to others, we are in danger of not receiving mercy from God. In the end, mercy triumphs over judgment.

Additional Related Posts

If you have found value in this post, please consider sharing it with your friends.

Subscribe to A Clay Jar

If you have found value in this post, please consider subscribing to A Clay Jar so that you don't miss any other posts. 

Ed Jarrett

Just an old clay jar that God continues to see fit to use in his kingdom's work. I am retired, married with 2 children, and 4 grandchildren. I have followed Jesus for many years. And I love to share what He has given me from His word.

A Note to Readers

The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.

1 thought on “Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment – James 2:12-13”

  1. We are to be changed in the way we act towards others, because of the way God has changed our lives. We are to forgive others because God has forgiven us of such a large debt.

    Reply

Leave a Comment