January 16
Judging
“The royal law … love thy neighbour as thyself.” —James 2:8
Read James 2
Something was not right in the congregation to which James was writing. They judged people by outward appearances and favoured certain people over others. Rich and important people were given places of honour in a worship service, while the poor were disgraced, oppressed and even dragged before the magistrate. Evil thoughts caused by jealousy and pride were at the root of their problem.
We also need to watch out that we do not judge others on issues which are not of any consequence. If we do so, we are guilty of a great evil, transgressing the royal law. Judgment belongs ultimately to God, Who judges perfectly, but at the same time shows mercy.
Imagine if God would judge man according to His righteous sense of judgment; all would be lost. However, through His Son Christ Jesus, He looks in mercy toward His children. Yes, He provides mercy to match judgment. Let us therefore not judge our neighbours, but take the command to heart: when “thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well.”
What is the content of the “royal law”?
This devotional was taken from “The Time of Your Life” a daily devotional published by the Youth & Educational Committee of the FRC. To order a printed copy of this book, contact: bookorders@frcna.org.