Daily Delight

In James 2 we learn that "faith without action is dead" and "mercy triumphs over judgment". As Christians, we are saved by God's grace through faith, but we are also required to obey God's laws over any other. His grace does not cancel our duty to obey Him; it simply gives us a new basis on our obedience to Him. One that we willingly carry because of His sacrifice for us, our love for Him and through the power of His Holy Spirit in us. 

True faith transforms our conduct as well as our thoughts. Only God's mercy Himself can forgive us of our sins. We don't earn our forgiveness by forgiving others-- but when we withhold our forgiveness from others after we undeservingly receive it ourself, shows that we do not wholeheartedly understand nor appreciate the mercy that God gives us. 

"Mercy triumphs over judgment." 

Let's break this down in even simpler terms: 

Mercy- “compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.”
Triumph- “a great victory or achievement.”
Judgement- “the ability to make considered decisions or come to sensible conclusions.” 

(Source: Google) 

So therefore:

Showing compassion or forgiveness toward someone instead of using power to punish or harm them is a greater victory than making considered or even sensible decisions toward them. 

If our lives remain unchanged with our claimed faith, then we truly don't believe the truths of our faith. Our actions are a requirement of our faith. Without acting on our faith, the Bible says our faith is "dead". Our active obedience demonstrates that our commitment to God is real. Good deeds are simply not a substitute of good faith, but rather a verification of our faith in Christ. True faith always results in a changed life; which involves a commitment of your whole self to God. 

Show Him your faith, and He will show you His faithfulness.

About the Author

Ashley Thrift≫ ≫ Ashley is a happy homemaker; a proud wife of her handsome and hard-working high-school sweetheart, and a very blessed mom of three amazing, crazy and energetic kiddos. In the good ole' southern upstate of SC, where Ashley is from, you will find her devoting herself to Jesus first, being a wife and mama second, and striving to be an overall woman of proverbs 31. When she is not running frantically off of coffee (chasing toddlers or carpooling; rushing to the the dance studio or ball fields), she is settled intimately in her Bible listening for the whispers of God. She also enjoys small group Bible studies with her mama friends, writing to serve God through her church writing team (NewSpring.cc) and her blog <www.p31shelaughs.com>, and still dating her husband even after seventeen years. She wears strength and dignity with laughter in her heart as she trusts God's faithfulness which has already assured her works all things to his glory (Proverbs 31:25). She knows that her story is being written by the one Almighty, and by His glory she tries to embrace what He is teaching her through each chapter- living on grace.