12. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.

James has been discussing not being a respecter of persons and the ‘royal law’ we should keep which is to love our neighbor as ourselves (verses 2-11).  At times we’ve judged people incorrectly.  We may tend to think some people are better than others.  But he says if you break one point of the law you are guilty of all.

Breaking the law (of God) is breaking the law and we shouldn’t judge some sin as worse than others.  Everyone has sinned and violated His law so no one has earned any sort of status with God based on his/her actions.  As this verse says, we need to speak and act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty.

The law of liberty is the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ who has set us free from sin and all the bondage associated with sin.  We need to speak and act according to this law of liberty and let people know the message of the Gospel which is that they can be set free from sin and bondage.

Rather than judging people and criticizing them for the sin in their lives we need to preach the message of mercy to them.  Rather than judging incorrectly and accepting some people over others based on outward appearances, we need to judge everything according to the Word by the Spirit of God and show mercy to all.

Confession:

I will speak and act according to the law of liberty.  I will talk and live by the message of Jesus Christ, which is that He has provided for everyone’s freedom from sin and bondage.  In doing so, I will show mercy to all.