Fulfilling the Law

Faith in Action

Self-controlled, Upright and Godly Faith

Faith Without Works is Dead

James 2:8-13 The Message

8-11 You do well when you complete the Royal Rule of the Scriptures: “Love others as you love yourself.” But if you play up to these so-called important people, you go against the Rule and stand convicted by it. You can’t pick and choose in these things, specializing in keeping one or two things in God’s law and ignoring others. The same God who said, “Don’t commit adultery,” also said, “Don’t murder.” If you don’t commit adultery but go ahead and murder, do you think your non-adultery will cancel out your murder? No, you’re a murderer, period.
12-13 Talk and act like a person expecting to be judged by the Rule that sets us free. For if you refuse to act kindly, you can hardly expect to be treated kindly. Kind mercy wins over harsh judgment every time.

For Reflection

Some believe that the New Testament tenents supersede those of the Old Testament. James understands the interrelatedness of the Mosaic laws and the New Testament interpretations.  The old law applies. The new rule sets us free to be loyal to the intent of the law as well as the letter of the law.  Further, it gives us the freedom to act compassionately in love. 

Pray

Pray that you will act compassionately to all people. Pray that what you say and do harms no one, but instead, lifts them up to a greater good.

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