Mercy Triumphs over Judgment

This meditation is based on a passage for November 13, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: James 2:1-13

Reflection and Question: James’ concern about distinctions around wealth is equally applicable to treatment of LGBT people in the church. For any who insist on judging LGBT Christians, James is clear, “For judgment will be without mercy to anyone who has shown no mercy.” And lest we make excuses that we love the sinner but not the sin, thinking that this is merciful enough. The fact is there is no such separation between being and action in real life. When we listen with the ears of an LGBT believer, we learn how unmerciful such judgment is. What, for you, does “the law of liberty” mean?

Prayer: Dearest Jesus, James asks us, “Do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord?” We confess our favoritism toward some people and not others, especially our LGBT sisters and brothers. Forgive us and reform us. Amen.