Notes for25 January 2023

A little first about the second half of the verse. Since, as it is in judicial cases: to the criminal is given a sentence somehow corresponding to the gravity of offence, but after is likely certain appeasement of his fate - by amnesty or by grace. Or another variant: the offence is achieved, but the offended party forgives the guilty, and the affair does not even reach at the court. In both situations we see that mercy is more effective, "more important" than judgment. It is what the apostle James means.

But from there ensues then what is said in the first half of the verse. If someone does not recognize in his own life (not in words, but by deeds) the primacy of mercy on the judgment (righteousness), then shall not also be applied to him in case of his guilt (and we are all guilty before God) the principle of righteousness: a judgment without mercy, with all the severity of the law. Shouldn’t we remember here what the Christ says "blessed are the merciful ", and not "blessed are the righteous".