A Community of Justice and Mercy
James 2:8-13
- This week's passage in James is rooted in Micah 6:1–8. Read Micah 6:1–5. In what ways had God shown himself to be just and merciful in his dealings with his people in the past? (God mentioned two specific historic events in vv. 4 and 5.)
- How did the people respond to God's Word as recorded in Micah 6:6–7? How would you describe their attitude? What would this be like in our day?
- Micah 6:8 is one of the Bible's most beloved verses. Put each of its three-fold requirements into your own words:
• Act justly (or, to act in a way that brings about what is right)
• Love mercy (or, to long for restored relationship with someone)
• Walk humbly with God - God said that his own acts had demonstrated justice with mercy in Micah 6:8a. How have you experienced God's showing you justice mingled with mercy?
- In James 2:8–13, James says that, although the people might argue that they have never broken his commands by doing things like murder or adultery, they have done so by failing to keep the "royal law," i.e., to love your neighbor as yourself. How had they done this? (See 2:1–7.) How might we do this in our day?
- The sin of breaking the royal law should bring about judgment if justice will be done. But notice how James ended this section in v.13. How has God made mercy possible to those of us deserving justice for our sins? See Romans 3:21–26, 2 Corinthians 5:21, and 1 Peter 3:18 to guide you.
- What is the most important lesson you hope to apply to your life from this study?
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