“James”
by, Pastor Sunil Balasundaram
Scripture
(Please read the passage before, or after, reading the devotion.)
How you regard a person will dictate what you do with what they say. In calling “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (cf. Jesus’ “Great Commandment” in Mark 12:29-31) as royal law, James, in his humility and worship, regarded Jesus as King. And to James, dis-obeying such a law by showing partiality on the basis of outward appearance and prejudice was as bad as sinning against King Jesus and God. On the other hand, showing mercy and love to others irrespective of who they are is proof that we have understood what God has done for us. We have then understood that God really showed us mercy instead of the judgement we deserve. Isn’t that the very definition of “grace”? So, how have we responded to this grace?
Prayer:
Oh my goodness! I did not realize that my bias and prejudice toward others meant so much to you, O God of mercy. I did not realize that it reflected the extent of my response to your love, as well as whether I regarded you as Master and King of my life, Lord Jesus. Forgive me, for I have sinned. I truly want to be a “doer” of your Word by being an embodiment of your love. Keep working in me, Lord; please keep challenging me that you might indeed make me “mature and complete, lacking nothing” (1:4). Amen.
