No Place for Judging Others

Text: James 2:1-13

Reflection and Question: It is hard to imagine how James could be more contemporary in his indictment of any and every local congregation. Does your church prefer rich or poor in the pew? Would your church prefer a young white male pastor to a middle-aged matron, or someone straight over a GLBT candidate? James pulls no punches: “Judgment will be without mercy to anyone who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.” If judgment has no place in Christian discipleship, then why are we so judgmental?

Prayer: God Almighty, though we know James is right and judgment belongs solely to You, we confess our preferences drive us all the time. Forgive us for this failing to love our neighbors as ourselves. Help us to show mercy to all we meet. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).