Hebrews 12:11 - No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Romans 12:9 - Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
James 2:1,8,10,12-13 - My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism…If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right…For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it…Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!
Conclusions:
- When received submissively, discipline is wholesome and beneficial
- Love is the Christian’s love for fellow Christians and perhaps also for his fellowman
- Sincere love is true love, not pretend love
- The love Paul speaks of in Romans 12:9 is not mere emotion but is active love
- God does not show favoritism—nor should believers
- The law of love is called royal because it is the supreme law that is the source of all other laws governing human relationships
- The royal law is the summation of all other laws
- The law is the expression of the character and will of God; therefore to violate one part of the law is to violate God’s will and thus His whole law
- The judgment is not for determining eternal destiny, for James is speaking to believers, whose destiny is already determined
- This judgment is for giving rewards to believers
Application:
- How do you receive discipline?
- Is your love sincere?
- Do you show favoritism?
- Do you keep the royal law?
- Do you stumble at any point with the law?
- Do you speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Conclusions derived from NIV Study Bible
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