James 2:12-13
Great has been the mercy of God towards every one of us who find ourselves a new creation in Christ Jesus. Great was the wrath of God upon us and fierce was the pending judgment which hung above our heads. There was not one of us that was righteous; not one of us that was deserving of God’s mercy. Yet, while we were still sinners, Christ in His love died for the ungodly. In light of this great mercy which has been demonstrated towards us; what ought to be the attitude of our hearts towards our fellow human in the same? Surely it ought to be, to extend mercy in like manner. Yet sadly some, though they themselves have been forgiven of much, are simply unwilling to forgive their neighbour a far lesser debt.
The challenge goes out in this sermon for those who name the name of Jesus Christ, to speak and to act in a way as those desiring to be judged by the law of liberty. By the standard of judgment that we have judged others, and to the degree in which we have forgiven those who have wronged us; to the same degree will God exercise mercy towards us in forgiving our sins. “If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee…” (Ps. 130:3-4). Go then and do likewise…