James 2:8-13
[8] If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. [9] But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. [10] For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. [11] For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. [12] So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. [13] For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Head: How has Jesus first shown you love?
Heart: Whom do you have a hard time loving? Start by praying for them.
Hands: How can you impact others through your love today?
Whom should I love? Jesus says, "Whomever I place next to you."
In yesterday's passage, James challenged Christians to treat people equally well, regardless of their wealth or standing in society. But what does it mean to treat people well? Jesus says to love them. Love your neighbor as yourself, the second greatest commandment. This does not mean that we have to say "yes" to everything. It does not mean that we have to accommodate everyone's whim. But it does mean that Jesus wants us to do all things in love.
Let's ask God for His power in your heart to love our neighbor, especially those whom we have a hard time loving. Set your focus on Jesus, who loved us first with a sacrificial love. Remember, "we love because He first loved us". Then let's ask for wisdom so that we know how to do all things in love. Lord, examine our hearts and guide our hands feet to make you known through our love for our neighbor.
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Devotional Guide:
1) Pray for understanding in your mind, for trust in your heart, and for powerful obedience in your daily living.
2) Read the passage and mark anything that blesses you, challenges you, or raises a question.
3) Reflect on the passage. What's God saying about Himself? What's God saying about you?
4) Pray in response to what God puts on your heart through the Word.