JamesNäide

In this passage James gives a call to integrity and starts out by quoting one of the greatest commandments: to love others as ourselves. The best way to reflect God in our lives is to invite him into everything that we do; meaning we can’t afford to pick and choose which neighbor (co- worker, professor, in-law, sibling, etc) we decide to love as ourselves. The reality is that all of us can probably say that we have done this a time or two. What’s more, James then reminds us that if we have broken one law, we are just as guilty as someone who breaks all the laws. James’ directness can appear condemning because it begs the question “Who could possibly keep the law perfectly?” The truth is no one, except Jesus.

The good news for us is that he did exactly that on our behalf. So when we read the verse about being judged by the law, it may be natural for us to attempt to even the “scales of justice” by comparing our good deeds against our poor choices. But here’s the thing when it comes to Jesus: He offers unmeasured grace, and grace removes these scales. Not because of what we have done, but because of Jesus’ perfect fulfillment of the law. This is how the same law that we cannot keep, is the same law that can set us free (v. 12).

Prayer points:

• Ask God to highlight any places where you have tried to pick and choose who to love.
• Ask God if there are any areas where you are trying to even the “scales of justice”. If so, ask Him to help you receive the free grace of Jesus.