For a full description of the (Y3) reading plan, see the “About” page.
- What attributes of God’s character does this passage reveal?
- How does the passage point to Jesus?
- How should the truth of this passage change me?
- How do the events of today’s reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?
Jms. 1
I had a little “aha” thought regarding temptation while reading James’ words here. We tend to think of temptation as something external. But that isn’t the case at all. Temptation is an internal thing. It comes from our own evil desires. If we did not have the evil desires, there would be no temptation because good is not drawn to or enticed by evil. Thus, to overcome temptation, we need to change our desires. How do we do that? “Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you your heart’s desires.” (Ps. 37:4).
Jms. 2
“Speak and act as those who are to be judged by the law of freedom.” (Jms. 2:12). What does that mean? It means we are to freely offer the same mercy that God freely gives us to those around us. The Mosaic Law – the physical law – is a law of judgment. Jesus came to fulfill that law, receiving the judgment reserved for each of us who broke that law. So now, if we have received God’ gift of mercy in Jesus Christ, we are free from that judgment. We now follow a new law, rooted in mercy, which does not condemn but instead offers life. If we truly live by this new law, we will not condemn others based on the old one. Instead, we will offer them life through the mercy found in Christ Jesus. If they reject that mercy, the law they choose will judge and condemn them.
Jms. 3
James tells us how to discern true, Godly wisdom. He says, “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense.” (Jms. 3:17). Compare that with what we see from the world, which claims to be wise. Worldly ‘wisdom’ is self-serving. It is divisive, often harsh, and disorderly. It points accusing fingers, shifts with the favoring winds, and is steeped with ulterior motives. Like all other attributes of God, when His wisdom is present in us, it shows through in our conduct.