TEXT:
James 2:1-13
THEOLOGY
- Relationships with people is one way to define a Christian’s maturity (James 2:2-4).
- Favoritism/Discrimination/Partiality/Preferential Treatment is sin (James 2:4, 9).
- God set a standard for a Christian to strive toward maturity; that standard is: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (James 2:8).
- Your Christian Maturity is not a matter of income vs. expenses or credit vs debits (James 2:10).
- Your Christian Maturity must consist of mercy. Without mercy God’s judgment toward you will be merciless (James 2:13).
APPLICATION
- Make a list of every person you come in contact with on a daily basis (Church, Work, Family, School and Social Setting – i.e. Starbucks, Video Store etc).
- With that list write down the first thing that comes to mind about each person. Are you line items positive or negative? (Be Honest)
- Focus on the people who you “do not prefer” and write down exactly why they are not on your “preferential” list.
- Read Matthew 5:23-26 & Ephesians 4:29-32 – Write down specifically what Jesus is telling you to do to reconcile your relationship (Notice, Jesus does not give you the option to not reconcile – but commands you truly attempt to reconcile).
- Why is it so hard to be merciful to those who wrong you or others? Do you know of anyone who is not merciful?
- Take one person on your list and reach out to them, engage them with the intent to reconcile this week (Send an email, text message or call them).
PRAYER
Take a moment and pray:
- Adore God for the Bible’s clear direction in restoring relationship with people.
- Confess any shortcomings/sin you discovered/realized in this study and His Word that proves it.
- Thank God being merciful to your soul and not casting you into hell when you sinned.
- Supplicate (Ask) God to give you the grace to be merciful to others and engage others with love and intent to reconcile.
Grace & Peace, You Are Loved,
Judson
