“Howbeit if ye fulfill the royal law, according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well: but if ye have respect of persons, ye commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is become guilty of all. For he that said, Thou shalt not commit adultery, said also, Thou shalt not kill. Now if thou dost not commit adultery, but killest, thou art become a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do, as men that are to be judged by a law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to him that hath shown no mercy: mercy glorieth against judgment.” (James 2:8-13, American Standard Version – Byzantine Text)
Our reading today speaks to the heart of Christian morality, showing us the importance of love and the dangers of partiality. James begins by affirming the “royal law” – the command to love one’s neighbour as oneself. This command is certainly not a suggestion but a divine mandate, which captures the essence of Christian ethics. When we fulfil this law, we walk in accord with God’s will and are doing well.
However, James warns against the sin of partiality, or “respect of persons.” This sin occurs when we treat others differently based on their status, wealth, or other superficial factors. Such behaviour is not only unjust but also sinful, as it violates the command to love all equally. By showing favouritism, we become transgressors of the law, guilty of breaking God’s commandments. James further speaks of the seriousness of sin by reminding us that the law is a unified whole. To break one part of it is to become guilty of breaking all of it. He uses the example of adultery and murder to illustrate this point. Even if one refrains from committing adultery, but commits murder, that person is still a lawbreaker. This emphasises the comprehensive nature of God’s law and the impossibility of selectively obeying it.
We are called to live and speak as those who will be judged by the “law of liberty.” This law, while freeing, also demands accountability. Those who show no mercy in their judgments will face a merciless judgment themselves. However, James concludes with a powerful statement: “mercy glorieth against judgment.” Mercy, when shown, triumphs over judgment, reflecting the merciful nature of God Himself. True Christian living requires unwavering love for others, impartiality, and a recognition of the seriousness of all sin. We are encouraged by James to be merciful, as mercy will ultimately prevail in God’s judgment.
