During his life on earth, Jesus was often censured for showing mercy (e.g. Luke 5:30, Luke 15:2). Jesus’ brother James saw that same merciless spirit showing up in some early Christian churches. The lack of love produced both judgment toward others’ weakness, and an unwillingness to actively help suffering, struggling people. James evoked his brother’s teaching
in Matthew 7, saying our attitude and actions reveal our inner reality. In the end, in God’s world, mercy triumphs over judgment.

• James called the command to love your neighbor as yourself (originally from Leviticus 19:18) a “royal law.” When has mercy had to overrule judgment in order for you to live up to that law, and love particular, perhaps hard-to-love people as your neighbor? In what ways does relating to others with mercy rather than condemnation create greater freedom for you? For them?
• James didn’t describe a good “balance” between faith and works, as though we need a 50/50 mix of the two. We need 100% of both—our actions grow out of our faith, as a grateful response to God’s gracious acceptance of us. What are some of the actions, the works, which you have seen grow in your life as you respond to God’s grace?