Believers in Christ should have a triumphant attitude. Not that we have triumphed over anything, because we can’t hardly conquer our own evil desires, but that Jesus has triumphed for us.
In James 2.12-13 we observe the reasons for a triumphant attitude. Verse 13 says— “For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” Remember the previous verses discuss partiality in our judgment and why its beyond wrong for us to do such a thing. If we have been judged with mercy and without partiality, we too should show no prejudice in our outlook to others. Instead, we should unconditionally love with over-flowing mercy…just like we have received.
If that wasn’t enough, let’s dig a little deeper into the word “rejoice”. Rejoice means ‘triumph’ (to boast against or have triumph over). As the verse says— “…and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” The Mercy God has given to us not only supersedes the judgment against us, it laughs at it (boasts). I like that… rub it in!
Once you are saved, we are no longer judged by the impossible law of the Old Testament, we are judged by the law of liberty! Verse 12 says— “So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.” Just because we are in a state of grace, doesn’t mean we no longer have a code of conduct or ‘law’ per se. In fact, believers are now enabled by the Spirit to keep it. We have genuine freedom to not sin and please God in every area of our life now. We don’t have to look over our shoulder or worry about the effects anymore. Instead, we have the Spirit of God t guide and enable us to obey.
Again, verse 12 says—“as they”. The word “as” indicates a comparison. Since we have a new outlook and a new life in Jesus, James makes an appeal for change, to reflect the newness:
- In our speech. “So speak ye…”
- In our actions. “…and so do…”
Think about Jesus’ direct call to action in Acts 1.8— “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me…” We have been empowered to witness! That requires speaking and acting differently. Paul furthered this in 2 Corinthians 5.17, 20— “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature… Now then we are ambassadors for Christ” He has given us a new position. We have been called to be an Ambassador. This new position requires speaking and acting. Looking a closer at 2 Corinthians 5.17 in the second part of the verse— “…old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” How many things? Yes, all. We have been changed, made new, adopted, given new positions, new families, NEW LIFE! In flesh, you may be a quiet, laid back, not going to go out of the way to talk, kind of person. But you have been changed! So what now? God says— “all things are become new”.
We are encouraged to keep the end in mind.We are and will be judged according to the law of liberty, nevertheless, we will be judged. How can anyone who shows no mercy to others, expect to ever receive mercy? How can anyone who manipulates people and circumstances for their perceived gain, expect to ever receive mercy? How can anyone who retaliates in anger and harbors bitterness in their heart, expect to ever receive mercy?
A Christian, a person who has experienced God’s mercy for his sins, should and will show mercy to others. Have you been merciful to others? To not be merciful, is to not show the true agape love of Christ to another. That in itself, is partiality. ‘Allowances for me, but not for them.’
Remember: In the end, mercy always triumphs (rejoiceth) over judgement. You don’t want to be on the wrong end of that statement. The bottom line is that there is no place for partiality in the new life of a believer. Walk in newness and not in the death of the old. Have you been a recipient of God’s great mercy? Share it.
Mercy wins… every time.