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
Today’s Scripture Reading: James 2:1-13
The Christian standard of living is far beyond just simple rules and regulations of a culture formed by our interpretations. Although the scriptures hold us accountable, it would be so easy for us to apply those scriptures on the appeal of impressing it on others around us instead of ourselves first. God’s Word was given to us by God, and not given to us by mankind. That is something we ought to always remind ourselves as the church. We exist and we have faith because of what Jesus has done for us. If we can begin to understand this important principle of Grace and His authority, we ought to live in daily and complete reverence to Him – not in demanding of people to adhere to our feelings of right and wrong. It becomes much more personal than that – it must first cleave to our hearts and challenge our very inmost being. It is our own transformation and work of the Holy Spirit within us that pushes forth the truth.
We as humans tend to gravitate towards people who treat us well, and who we can benefit from. This is where the issue of favouritism comes in. It is not only sinful, but it is selfish. It is sinful because it discriminates and is no better than judgement. And in its extremity, it becomes as far as hatred. To cast out, alienate, ignore, or reject those around us that seem different from who you and I are or because they don’t adhere to certain standards is favouritism. Even to reject our enemies is favouritism.
As ambassadors of Christ’s love on earth, we are called to be inclusive of even the worst of our enemies. Christians were never made to be homogeneous in our character, nor are any of our problems exclusive. Jesus died for the sinner, not for the righteous (Rom. 5:8). Thus today we are called to live the complete antonym of favouritism. We are called to love unconditionally the righteous, the sinner, the awkward, and even the annoying. Be challenged to show love unequivocally to those around you whom you may consider your worst enemy or your worse irritant. Seek not to change them by your will, but instead accept them and love them as they are. As you humble yourself from the inside, may you grow to know just how much deeper God’s love is for you.
“The habit of judging is so nearly incurable, and its cure is such an almost interminable process, that we must concentrate ourselves for a long while on keeping it in check.
We must grow to something higher, and something truer, than a quickness in detecting evil.”
Frederick W. Faber
T H E O P H I L U S 
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