James spoke against the sin of partiality and the need to have regard for the poor. He wanted us to remember that we are set free from the law of sin and death. With this freedom, we are encouraged to show mercy and do not be quick to pass judgement. Even God himself is merciful and gracious towards us. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23). Even when we were sinful and unworthy, God’s grace covered and protected us.
God does not want any of His children to perish, but His desire is that we repent and experience everlasting life. For this reason, God extends grace and mercy to us daily. He wants us to come into His presence and experience His love and faithfulness. When we are close to God, He can shield and protect us from the attacks of the enemy. It is when we drift away from God, when the devil is able to cause harm to us. Since God is a faithful and loving God, we also need to extend love and kindness to others.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy” (Matthew 5:7). Forgiveness is one form of mercy, as we extend grace to others. It is hard when people mess up many times and cause us hurt over and over again. Sometimes it is good to step back and pray for that person. God knows the relationships that are worthwhile maintaining and He is able to help us. There are times when we have the power to choose, between showing mercy or judgement. Judgement can be in the form of writing off a person and deciding to have nothing more to do with them.
Some people are sincere about being sorry for mistakes made and show that they are willing to make amends. If there is evidence of this, then it is worthwhile giving people second chances. It is true that we cannot see what is in the heart of another person. This is where the Holy Spirit can help us to discern intent and motives. We can trust God even when we don’t trust others and once people show a willingness to change, this can gradually restore trust. “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Matthew 6:14).
A.P.-Y.
Devotional Inspirations 
Yes we need to remain close to God.It is when we drift away from God, when the devil is able to cause harm to us.
Powerful!
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2 And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord;
3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:
4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.”
The work of the Holy Spirit is to bring us to the place of dependence upon His quickening grace… that we no longer judge by the seeing of our eyes or by the hearing of the ear. Great is the school of His Spirit and faithful are His ministrations to bring us to discerning correctly. Grace given can be as destructive to another life as judgment, true justice is where mercy and truth “kiss” each other without contradiction or compromise.
“Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.”
Psalm 85:10
Blessings
BT
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Amen 🙏🏾. Bless you and thanks for stopping by to read and comment.
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