Tiago 2

Tiago 2

Vincent writes that James "puts himself at the stand-point of the judgment, and looks backward." Judgment (krisis) will be merciless (aneleos) to one who has shown no mercy (eleos) - NLT = "There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others." In context this would describe those believers who showed partiality to some (rich) and discriminated against others (poor), in effect showing no mercy to the latter group. In the context James has been addressing believers ("my brothers"). While directed to believers, this warning could be directed to those in the group who are professing Christians but who lack of mercy which calls into question their faith. And note that James is not teaching that by showing mercy we merit mercy from God. That is works righteousness and simply stated it does not work. Besides if we were able to earn mercy, it would not be mercy (Just as with grace)! Sinners can do absolutely nothing to merit God's mercy in salvation. John MacArthur describes the one who has shown no mercy (eleos) - Their lives are characterized by partiality, hardness, selfishness, and lack of concern for others—in short, lovelessness. They are far from loving others as they love themselves, reflecting nothing of God's love and care for those in need. (James Commentary - Page 117) A T