Obedience and Mercy

Journey through James: 2:12-13

So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.— James 2:12-13

Based on what James just wrote about the law and partiality, he now gives us instructions on how these truths should impact our lives. Truth should lead to action.

James tells us that we need to speak and act as those who will be judged. The word “so” is repeated—this is to add emphasis. In the Greek, this is an emphatic construction showing that we need to speak in light of the truth and act in light of the truth. It is in the present tense and indicates that this should be an ongoing activity for the believer. James is building on the instruction he gave at the end of chapter 1. He told us that we need to be quick to hear and slow to speak. Now he challenges us to speak. What changed? Once we have taken the time to hear the truth, we should then speak and act in light of that truth. We are to be doers of the Word and not hearers only. James re-emphasizes that teaching now. We should be speaking and acting in light of the truth and in light of the coming judgment. 

James tells us that we will be judged by the law of liberty. What does that mean? He is writing to believers and reminding us that we will be judged. However, we will not be judged by the law of death but by the law that gives freedom. We will not be judged by the legalistic laws and traditions developed by the Pharisees. We will be judged by the law of love—the law that tells us that we are to love God with all our heart, mind, and soul and to love our neighbors as ourselves. We will be judged according to how we followed the example given by Jesus. This sounds daunting; however, Jesus’ commands to us are not burdensome because He will help us follow them. 

By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world⁠—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?— 1 John 5:2-5

We should not live in terror of God or His judgment, but we should live in reverence. He has shown us mercy. We deserve harsh judgment; however, James reminds us that mercy triumphs over judgment. God showed His mercy towards us in that He saves us from our sins. Jesus paid the price for our sin on the cross. If we had to face judgment based on the law alone we would all fall short (James 2:10; Romans 3:23). However, because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we are now judged by the law of liberty. We can experience God’s mercy. We need to keep this in mind as we live and interact with others. We should show mercy towards others because God has shown incredible mercy towards us. Praise Jesus that His mercy triumphs over judgment!