JamesSample

In this passage, James is challenging believers to investigate another detail of our lives and the culture that surrounds us to better understand how a relationship with God creates the desire to love others as a result of our love for Him. Although we were made in the image of God, we are not called to play God – and what a responsibility that would be! We are given spiritual discernment, but when does discernment blur into judgement? If we keep our eyes fixed on living and acting in the Spirit, we might have a conviction to hold others to a higher standard. As a community of believers, we are called to lift each other up and encouraged to have accountability. This resonates when we are graciously and lovingly building each other up. When we juxtapose this against a sinful condemnation, we can quickly see the difference. One gives life, the other creates judgement, guilt, shame even chaos or confusion in our minds. The law in this context is summed up in loving God and loving others. If love is the fulfillment of the law, we are called to make this our highest priority.

Prayer points:

• Pray for a heightened awareness of your response towards others.
• Pray that awareness would reveal the opportunity to express love towards others in place of judgement or criticism.
• If you find it is difficult to respond out of love in certain situations, pray the love portrayed by your actions first, even when we do not feel like it, would create an authentic response of loving others even when it is challenging.