James 2:10-13 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for 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.

After James addresses the sin of partiality he continues on to introduce compliance to the law. Not in such a manner that if you do not follow the law you will be condemned to death, rather, he is saying that you have been saved by the mercy of God and therefore should live your life in a holy manner out of love for others. Jesus says that we should love the Lord with all of our heart, soul, and mind and love our neighbor as ourselves. There are no other commands greater than these.

James is saying that believers are no longer under the bondage of the law, but are under the law of liberty. Under the law of liberty, or the “law of grace”, we are not condemned for failing since the price has been paid by Jesus Christ on the cross. Rather than being motivated by avoiding punishment from disobedience of the law, we are motivated by grace and love because of the salvation we have been given. When we understand the price that was paid for us and the mercy that was given to us, we then should desire to show mercy to others rather than judging them and condemning them. Show no partiality, do not commit adultery, do not murder, and love your neighbor all come from the same heart. A heart of living in the love and liberty of Jesus Christ.

Prayer

Lord, help me to follow after you with a heart of love for you and a heart of love for others as well. Amen.