23.143 | Are We Blinded and Unconscionable | James 2:10-13 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon

10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. 11 For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
- James 2:10-13 ESV

ARE WE BLINDED AND UNCONSCIONABLE?

 

The problem to most Christians isn’t ignorance to the truth but numbness when violating it. Being unconscionable could make us blinded. Why? Our hearts are deceitful and desperately wicked. [Jer 17:9,10] Most likely, these partial, even judgmental, believers had thought it was not wrong to show favoritism. If ever it was wrong, for them it’s not that big sin. Is it? Human nature will prompt us to be dismissive of our sins at times.

Why they did not feel guilty of the sin of favoritism? Perhaps they classified it as a lesser sin than others. They thought they could be in good standing as long as they do all the other commands. But James said, “ For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.” In other words, there is no classification of sin.[v.10] We recognize however that there are sins that the moral consequence is more painful than others. The consequence of lying may not be as painful or devastating as adultery. Yet, God’s wrath is expressed to both without distinction. Everyone is a lawbreaker and should feel equally guilty.[Rom 3:23]

Our resolve, therefore, is to speak and act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. James referred to the ‘law of liberty’ as freedom for having been forgiven in Christ. That is, we are free to show love because we are empowered in Christ. Moreover, we can’t be proud for we are a people also in need of great mercy from God, fellow sinners also forgiven by the blood of Christ.

We are all just recipients of God’s mercy, are we not? Thus, in deep humility, our appropriate attitude towards the least and lost is showing mercy not judgment. Mercy triumphs over judgment. What is the cause of our wrong attitude toward others? What are we going to do about it?

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