James continues to develop the quote he gives from Proverbs 3:34, God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. James develops this with ten commands, beginning with submission to God and ending with humility before God and toward others. James once again demonstrates the activity of real faith - genuine faith humbly submits to God and carefully avoids judging others! We are reminded of the royal law of liberty, which James offers us in 2:8, love your neighbor as yourself. When we critically judge one another, we are failing to honor this law of loving our neighbor and actually making ourselves a judge above the law. James concludes with these convicting words - who are you to judge your neighbor (meaning your fellow believers)?  As believers, we must guard against a critical, harsh or judgmental spirit against one another. God can and will give us grace to lovingly engage one another as we demonstrate our genuine faith.

James, the brother of Jesus, writes to Jewish believers who have been scattered, likely because of persecution. James encourages these believers through instruction on trials, genuine faith, and the appropriate interactions within the community of believers. His goal is to give guidance to these believers as they continue to engage with one another apart from the oversight of the established church in Jerusalem.

Graceway Church of Michiana exists in South Bend, IN for the purpose of Exalting our great God and Savior, Edifying and Encouraging believers and Engaging our Community. 

Graceway Church is committed to being a God Exalting, Christ Centered, Spirit Motivated, Word Focused local body of Believers!