So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.

                                                                                                                          James 2:12-13 

This one statement should change everything in the way the church functions in a sinful culture. “Mercy triumphs over judgment.” That’s it! Mercy is of greater power, weight, and scope as a means of changing lives than that of judgment. When we show people the mercy of Christ (which we have to experience first), people are drawn to the cross and the love of God. But when we yell and scream and point our condescending fingers at the lost, it only serves as a way of moving them further away from Jesus. I believe this is what James is saying when he tells us to “speak and act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty.”

As Christians, we are free from the condemnation that comes through the Law. We are free from the law of sin and death because Jesus has become sin for us and has become the atoning sacrifice for our sin, once for all. This means that, in Christ, we are now set free from the guilt, shame, and despair that accompanies sin. This spiritual liberty shows up in the way we speak, act, worship, and in our outlook in life. Consider these wonderful truths about this liberty:

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery (religious bondage).

                                                                                                               Galatians 5:1 

So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. 

                                                                           John 8:36 

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (freedom).  

                                                                                                               2 Corinthians 3:17 

Are we acting differently than those who do not know the Lord? Does this eternal security and love show up in our actions and our words? As believers, we have been set free and should demonstrate that knowledge to the world by the way that we treat them. In fact, treating others with kindness, gentleness, and respect is not only in line with the Law but is actually a summation and fulfilling of the Law. Consider these passages:

In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

                                                                                                                   Matthew 7:12 

Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. For this, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

                                                                                                               Romans 13:8-10 

But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either. Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. 

                                                                                                                     Luke 6:27-31 

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 

                                                                                                                       1 John 4:7-8 

We know that we have been taking in by faulty doctrine when this is not the result of our walk with Christ. Religion, judgmental, condescending attitudes, and the belief that God does not love the world will not bring about these righteous acts rather brings death to those who hear. Consider the words of Jesus:

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned. Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” 

                                                                                                                 Luke 6:37-38 

As believers, we should not be shocked that the lost world acts like those that are lost. It should come as no surprise that the world is taking the course in which it is going. Our job is not to judge rather pardon. We are to give, serve, and minister as often as we can. And we are to tell others that they too can be reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). In other words, we should speak and act as those who will be judged by the law of liberty!

Scripture could not be any clearer; “judgment will be merciless to the one who shows no mercy” therefore “let us be merciful just as our Father in heaven is merciful” (Luke 6:36).