“So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty.”
James concludes the issue of partiality in verses 12 and 13 with a plea to forewarning of God’s judgment on those who practice prejudice towards others.
So speak and so do
The two “so” words in this phrase indicate how God wants us to apply principle to our lives. The two “so” words indicate how we understand and apply the first 11 verses of this chapter.
“Speak” has to do with how we use our mouth. We can use it to commit sins of the tongue, or we can use it to build up other Christians.
When it comes to partiality, Christians should speak and act based on Christian principles. The Christian cannot live in prejudice and, at the same time, maintain a consistent Christian life. Complete consistency with God’s principles is the way to live the Christian life. Both words and actions count in God’s eyes.
PRINCIPLE:
God wants us to practice what we preach.
APPLICATION:
What we say and what we do must be consistent in God’s economy. Every time we open our mouth, we should utter words consistent with our Christianity.
A characteristic of a growing Christian is someone who knows how to control his mouth. He can avoid sins of the tongue. Some of us can murder by our mouth. The tongue is easy to use, and that makes it more impulsive. It takes the discipline of love not to use our mouth sinfully.
Not only do we need to control our mouth, but also we need to control our actions by the law of liberty.
What is this “law of liberty”exactly?
Ian, You need to go to the next study: http://versebyversecommentary.com/james/james-212b/
The law of liberty is the integral part of the grace of God given to all who acknowledged their spiritual helplessness. It justification… being free from the rules and regulations of the law. It brings you to the place where you can actually see yourself as the redeemed, a child of God. Liberty is more difficult than the law. The law gives you guideline and punishment when you derail, but liberty leaves you on your own to make decisions, but with the help of the Holy Spirit, you always prevail. Liberty is so sweet! It makes you to give cheerfully on the platform of love for the things of God. This liberty only makes sense when you are in Christ,'He that the Son has set free is free indeed" You can actually come to your heavenly Father without going through rituals of washing the hand, feet and face etc. Although cleanliness is next to Godliness, God can actually pick you from the gutter and embrace! od bless you
Well said Mandu.
We have the liberty to decide how to live .Sin should not control us anymore .We are our masters , we decide .Sin has no grasp on us anymore .We are free because we are in the light ,in reality .Jesus has brought us back to life .We were in darkness ,and death.We are now in life .The law of liberty ,enables me to act out of my own .( free will )