James 2  Before I look at this chapter.. I need to go back to several verses that have been on my mind, from Hebrews 13.

From verse 9 this phrase.. " for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace..."   In its context, this is a contrast between reliance on "strange teachings" and  practicing certain rituals and / or dietary restrictions.  It is the grace of God, through Jesus Christ, that alone is our strength, our hope, our help, and our salvation.

Grace - charis - graciousness, of manner or act; .. the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life... acceptable, benefit, favor, gift, grace, joy, liberality, pleasure, thanks worthy. James wrote "Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from the above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow."  Every grace/ gift comes from our Father in heaven .. He chose us, "He predestined us to adoption as sons" ; He freely bestowed on us His grace..in the Beloved. He redeemed us, He forgave us our sins,  He has made His will known to us; He has given us an inheritance..  (Ephesians 1:4-11)  All of grace.  It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by His grace.

And verse 18 "Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things."   The KJV translates this word as "honestly" - The Greek word is "kalos" - in a good place.. full well;  from the root -kalôs - beautiful, good, valuable, virtuous.. better, fair, good, honest, well, worthy..

James' teaching helps us, with specific illustrations, to live honorably, and grace-fully.  In this chapter (2) we begin with "My brethren, do  not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism."  His illustration is the distinction between treating a poor man with disrespect and a rich man with great honor.  This is sinful behavior.. breaking God's law just as much as if we murdered or committed adultery.

"So speak and so act, as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty.  For judgement will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgement. "  We leave all judgement in God's Hands.  We have received much grace.. and we can give grace and mercy freely.
We can have a good conscience when we conduct ourselves with honor and honesty. Mercy is a measure that is poured out to us.. in proportion to that which we have given to others. If we give little, we will receive little....

Father, once again we give You all praise and honor, for You alone are God, worthy of our love, our worship, and our trust.  We need Your holy wisdom and grace, Lord, that we might speak and act with honesty and honor, to the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Complete us..sanctify us through and through, so that we will be blameless before You on that great day. May we be merciful, even as You have shown mercy to us, abundantly and freely, through Christ Jesus our Lord.   Amen.