This Day in History: 0000-07-28

July 28 – James 2:10-13 

For the person who keeps all of the law except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws. For the same God who said, “You must not commit adultery.” Also said, “You must not murder.” So if you murder someone but do not commit adultery, you have still broken the law. 
So whatever you say, or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when He judges you. 

Do you find it difficult to see sin the way God does? I do! It doesn’t feel like I should be as guilty before Him for telling a little white lie as someone who murdered! And let’s face it, if you’re reading this because you’re in a similar boat to me, we have to deal with our hearts on this issue just about every day!  

We’ve been terribly wronged. The sin of someone else has nearly ruined us, despite the fact that most of us have spent our lives trying to follow God. It doesn’t seem fair. We’re likely going to question Him a bit. And He’s going to send us to verses like these and remind us of the truth. 

Whether it feels like it or not, in my flesh I am as wretched before Him as anyone else. I have rebelled against my Lord and His righteousness too. That sin separates me from His perfection just as completely as do the sins of others. We’re all going to stand before the judgement seat of God one day and answer for our lives, and not one of us will be clean in our own strength. Not one.  

The only hope any of us have is in the shed blood of Jesus Christ. His righteousness is all I have, and it’s all anyone has. We’re all the same in that regard. So how can I ever stand in judgement over someone else? How can I withhold forgiveness or mercy when God did not withhold it from me? The simple answer is, I cannot. 

Friends, it is imperative we remember day in and day out who we were, and who we are now. We were sinners, hopelessly lost and alone with no future. But we have been redeemed. Now, we are a part of the family of the Great God of the universe, His dearly loved sons and daughters. Not because of anything we did, but only because of His love and mercy. Let’s live in humility and extend that same love and mercy to others!