Words of Wisdom #10

Yesterday, we heard from James how to avoid showing partiality. He continues in chapter 2, verse

 8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11 For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. 12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

There has been an age-long debate on whether one sin is greater than another. In the Old Testament law, both murder and adultery were punishable by death. Those are the two "extreme sins" James uses to talk about partiality and a lack of mercy.  Mercy is a resource in short supply in our day. Turn on the TV or your laptop or listen at the local gathering place and you will find a steady stream of accusations and calls for judgment without mercy.  James nips it in the bud with his first statement: that is not loving your neighbor.as yourself. Who is your neighbor? Whoever God brings across your path, before your eyes, or even in earshot and on the screen in front of you. They are someone who is in a bad way and needs help. Are you going to kick them while they're down or be the neighbor they need? God will treat you the same way some day.