Verse
Context
Sermons




Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For he shall have judgment - He who shows no mercy to man, or, in other words, he who does not exercise himself in works of charity and mercy to his needy fellow creatures, shall receive no mercy at the hand of God; for he hath said, Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. The unmerciful therefore are cursed, and they shall obtain no mercy. Mercy rejoiceth against judgment - These words are variously understood. 1. Mercy, the merciful man, the abstract for the concrete, exults over judgment, that is, he is not afraid of it, having acted according to the law of liberty, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 2. Ye shall be exalted by mercy above judgment. 3. For he (God) exalts mercy above judgment. 4. A merciful man rejoices rather in opportunities of showing mercy, than in acting according to strict justice. 5. In the great day, though justice might condemn every man according to the rigour of the law, yet God will cause mercy to triumph over justice in bringing those into his glory who, for his sake, had fed the hungry, clothed the naked, ministered to the sick, and visited the prisoners. See what our Lord says, Matthew 25:31-46. In the MSS. and versions there is a considerable variety of readings on this verse, and some of the senses given above are derived from those readings. The spirit of the saying may be found in another scripture, I will have mercy and not sacrifice - I prefer works of charity and mercy to every thing else, and especially to all acts of worship. The Royal Law, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, should particularly prevail among men, because of the miserable state to which all are reduced by sin, so that each particularly needs the help of his brother.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The converse of, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy" (Mat 5:7). Translate, "The judgment (which is coming on all of us) shall be without mercy to him who hath showed no mercy." It shall be such toward every one as every one shall have been [BENGEL]. "Mercy" here corresponds to "love," Jam 2:8. mercy rejoiceth against judgment--Mercy, so far from fearing judgment in the case of its followers, actually glorifieth against it, knowing that it cannot condemn them. Not that their mercy is the ground of their acquittal, but the mercy of God in Christ towards them, producing mercy on their part towards their fellow men, makes them to triumph over judgment, which all in themselves otherwise deserve.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For he shall have judgment without mercy,.... Strict justice, and no mercy shown him: that hath showed no mercy; to the poor brethren, and distressed members of Christ, but has shown respect of persons to the hurt of the poor, and has despised and oppressed them, instead of relieving and comforting them; so the rich man, that neglected Lazarus at his gates, is refused a drop of water to cool his tongue; and the servant that cruelly insisted on his fellow servant's paying him all he owed, justly incurred the displeasure of his Lord, and was by him delivered to the tormentors; and that servant that beats his fellow servants will be cut asunder, and, have his portion with hypocrites; and such who have seen any of the brethren of Christ hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, and in prison, and have showed no regard for them, will hear, "Go, ye cursed, into everlasting fire": and mercy rejoiceth against judgment; that is merciful men, who have shown mercy to the poor saints, will not be afraid of the awful judgment, but rather rejoice or glory, as the word signifies, in the view of it, since they will obtain mercy at that day, and hear, Come, ye blessed of my Father, &c. Mat 25:34 so the Ethiopic version renders it, he only shall glory in the day of judgment, who hath showed mercy; the Alexandrian copy reads in the imperative, "let mercy glory", &c. and the Syriac version, "be ye exalted by mercy over judgment".
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:13 James concludes this section (2:1-13) by correlating divine mercy with human mercy (see also Matt 6:14-15; Eph 4:32).
A Warning against Favoritism
12Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom.13For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Forgiveness
By Keith Daniel2.9K1:25:38ForgivenessISA 53:5MAT 5:7MAT 6:12MAT 6:14MAT 16:24MAT 18:21JAS 2:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the central theme of the Bible, which is the cross of Jesus Christ. He specifically highlights Isaiah 53 as a passage that reveals the significance of the cross. The preacher shares a powerful testimony of a young man who experienced the brokenness of his family and the impact of sin. He also addresses the importance of forgiveness in the context of a father's relationship with his wayward child, drawing parallels to the father heart of God. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the transformative power of the cross and the need for forgiveness and reconciliation in our lives.
Beatitudes - Part 9
By Leonard Ravenhill2.6K1:13:38BeatitudesMAT 5:7JAS 2:13In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a man who had a difficult life. He was sent by his father to his brothers, but they betrayed him and sold him into slavery. He ended up in Egypt, where he was thrown into a pit again. The preacher draws parallels between this man's story and the betrayal of Jesus, who was also sold out of envy. The sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual self-reflection and the need for mercy and love in our actions, as demonstrated in the Sermon on the Mount.
We Will All Stand Before the Judgment of God
By John Piper1.5K48:49MAT 5:7ROM 14:12PHP 2:10JAS 2:13REV 20:12In this sermon, John Piper emphasizes the importance of having a genuine faith in Jesus Christ. He explains that it is not the quantity of good or evil deeds that saves a person, but rather the evidence of God's work in their life. Piper refers to the story of the thief on the cross as an example of how God's grace can transform a person's heart in an instant. He then discusses the concept of the final judgment and the doctrine of persevering grace, highlighting the need for believers to trust, love, and obey God.
I Know What Your Calling Is!
By Carter Conlon1.5K46:36EZK 22:30LUK 10:30JHN 3:17HEB 4:16JAS 2:13This sermon emphasizes the critical calling on the church in a season of history, urging believers to stand in the gap for mercy and restoration. It highlights the need for intercession, faith, and a deep understanding of God's mercy over judgment, calling for a collective prayer movement to see a miraculous outpouring of God's mercy in New York City and beyond.
(The Church in the Last Days) 04 - Double Minded Adulteress
By Milton Green1.4K58:19LUK 4:18LUK 6:362CO 6:1JAS 1:8JAS 2:13JAS 4:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the Word of God rather than the traditions of men. He warns against judging others, as judgment will be returned to the one who judges. The speaker then moves on to discuss the need to cleanse ourselves from all impurities, referencing James 4. He concludes by highlighting the characteristics of those who have not been defiled and have kept themselves pure, emphasizing the importance of being blameless as the bride of Christ.
What God Requires - Mercy
By Zac Poonen1.4K1:04:01PRO 19:17MIC 6:8MAT 5:48LUK 6:36LUK 10:36GAL 6:10EPH 4:32COL 3:12JAS 2:13This sermon emphasizes the importance of being merciful and treating others with kindness and dignity, highlighting the need to show mercy and be fair to those around us. It delves into the concept of being perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect, focusing on the aspect of mercy as an area where we can strive for perfection. The message encourages listeners to be generous, preserve the dignity of others, and cultivate a spirit of mercy and righteousness in their interactions with people.
God Requires Honesty and Compassion - Part 1
By Zac Poonen1.2K09:16PRO 11:17MIC 6:8MAT 5:7MAT 7:12LUK 6:36ROM 2:1PHP 2:3JAS 2:131JN 1:9This sermon focuses on the message from Micah 6, emphasizing the importance of treating others fairly, showing mercy, and walking humbly with God. It highlights the need to do justice by treating others as we want to be treated, love kindness by forgiving others, and walk humbly by acknowledging our mistakes without blaming others. The speaker urges honesty in acknowledging faults and emphasizes the significance of kindness towards others, reflecting Jesus' example of compassion even in the face of mistreatment.
Six Verse of Our Vision
By Zac Poonen1.2K59:32MAT 7:1ACT 20:35ROM 12:11CO 11:31JAS 2:131PE 5:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of staying true to the initial vision of a church, focusing on humility, mercy, faith, grace, and self-reflection. It highlights the need to maintain a clear vision, avoid pride, trust in God's provision, prioritize giving over receiving, and practice self-judgment to avoid harsh judgment in the final day.
Hatred for Sin
By David Wilkerson99237:30SinMAT 6:33MAT 7:1LUK 6:36ROM 2:21JAS 2:13JAS 5:11In this sermon, the speaker addresses the topic of hatred for sin. He shares a personal experience of feeling anger towards someone but then being convicted by God to listen and show mercy. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having the love of Jesus in our hearts, rather than just outwardly bringing people to church. He also references the story of David in 2 Samuel 12, where David's anger towards sin is evident. The sermon concludes with a call for individuals to acknowledge their sins and seek forgiveness from God.
Fit or Misfit? (Part 11): The Motivational Gift of Mercy
By Richard Sipley96942:13PSA 103:10MAT 5:7MAT 6:33LUK 6:36ROM 12:6EPH 2:1JAS 2:13In this sermon, the speaker discusses the seven motivational gifts that God has given to believers. These gifts include well-prepared sermons, practical assistance, in-depth Bible studies, personal counseling, generous financial assistance, smooth-running organization, and special outreach and concern for individuals. The speaker focuses on the gift of mercy, emphasizing the importance of showing mercy with cheerfulness. He shares a story of a woman who demonstrated mercy by hiding and helping two spies from an invading army, ultimately saving her and her family. The sermon concludes by mentioning that the next sermon will address the spiritual gifts, specifically the sign gifts.
Forgiveness as a Way of Life
By Al Whittinghill7641:07:38ForgivenessMAT 5:23MAT 6:14MAT 18:21EPH 4:32COL 3:13JAS 2:13In this sermon, the central theme is the importance of having right relationships and the power that comes from God working in our relationships. The speaker shares a personal story of a minister who experienced the tragic loss of his daughter and the subsequent struggles his family faced. Despite their pain, the minister and a stranger prayed together for God to break down the hardness in their lives. The sermon emphasizes the need for forgiveness and the transformative power of God's word in healing broken relationships.
Worshipping God When Suffering
By Zac Poonen7231:13:20JOB 42:7ISA 53:3MAT 5:7MAT 7:1JHN 3:17HEB 10:7JAS 2:13JAS 5:11This sermon emphasizes the importance of following the example of Jesus and Job in living a life of humility, mercy, and forgiveness. It highlights the need to focus on our own sins rather than judging others, to be merciful and understanding towards those who misunderstand or criticize us, and to trust in God's provision and guidance in all circumstances. The message encourages a life of simplicity, forgiveness, and reliance on God's grace.
When Christians Make Mistakes
By Carter Conlon66639:50PSA 22:1ISA 6:5MRK 11:24LUK 22:62ACT 1:14ACT 12:12ROM 8:28JAS 2:13This sermon focuses on the theme of Christians making mistakes and feeling distant from God, emphasizing the need to come back to Him with honesty and openness. It highlights the importance of understanding God's mercy, the tendency to substitute human reasoning for divine counsel, the danger of writing off people God hasn't written off, and the significance of praying with genuine faith in God's ability to answer. The message encourages individuals to trust in God's plan, embrace His mercy, and come back to Him, acknowledging their flaws and relying on His grace.
All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 12
By Zac Poonen65225:59MAT 5:3MAT 6:15MAT 28:20ROM 8:28ROM 12:19HEB 4:15HEB 5:7JAS 2:13This sermon delves into the neglected half of the Great Commission, focusing on teaching and obeying all that Jesus commanded. It emphasizes the importance of having the right attitudes as disciples, contrasting God's ways with the world's ways. The message highlights the significance of hungering and thirsting for righteousness, being merciful, and maintaining purity of heart to see God in all circumstances.
Sermon on the Mount - Part 3 David Servant
By David Servant64728:30MAT 5:6MAT 5:16GAL 5:22HEB 12:14JAS 2:13This sermon delves into the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the importance of evaluating one's spiritual condition. It highlights the characteristics of the blessed, such as hungering and thirsting for righteousness, being merciful, having a pure heart, and being peacemakers. The sermon challenges listeners to assess whether they align with these qualities and to seek God's transformation in their lives.
Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment
By Mike Bickle261:02:46MercyJudgmentPSA 18:35MIC 7:18MAT 5:7MAT 9:13MAT 12:7JHN 3:27ROM 8:1HEB 12:14JAS 2:131PE 4:8Mike Bickle emphasizes that mercy triumphs over judgment, illustrating how receiving and extending mercy is more transformative than criticism or judgment in all aspects of life. He warns against misinterpreting mercy as a license for wrongdoing, stressing that true mercy aligns with God's terms and leads to genuine repentance and obedience. Bickle encourages believers to respond with mercy to others, especially those who mistreat us, as this fosters freedom in our hearts and relationships. He highlights the biblical principle that the measure we use to judge others will be used against us, urging a shift from a critical spirit to one of kindness and understanding. Ultimately, Bickle reassures that God's mercy is abundant and should inspire us to extend that same mercy to others.
Jesus' Ministry (Jn. 5; Mt. 12; Mk. 3; Lk. 6)
By Mike Bickle201:16:25MercyAuthority of JesusPSA 147:3ISA 42:1MAT 9:13MAT 11:28MRK 2:27LUK 6:6JHN 5:1JHN 9:1JAS 2:13Mike Bickle discusses Jesus' ministry, focusing on His deliberate actions during the Sabbath that challenged the religious norms of the time. He highlights the healing of a man at the pool of Bethesda and the subsequent controversy it sparked among the Jewish leaders, emphasizing that Jesus prioritized human need over rigid ceremonial laws. Bickle explains that Jesus' authority as the Lord of the Sabbath allows Him to redefine the purpose of the Sabbath, which is meant for man's benefit, not as a burden. The sermon illustrates how Jesus' compassion and mercy are central to His ministry, inviting all to experience healing and restoration. Ultimately, Bickle encourages believers to embrace the mercy of Christ and to understand that He desires wholeness for all.
The Quality of Mercy Is Not Strain'd
By John Wesley1Divine JusticeMercyMAT 5:7LUK 6:36EPH 2:4JAS 2:13John Wesley emphasizes the profound nature of mercy, drawing from Matthew 5:7, where he reflects on how true mercy is freely given, akin to gentle rain from heaven. He highlights that mercy blesses both the giver and the receiver, and it is a divine attribute that surpasses earthly power and justice. Wesley urges listeners to consider their own merciful actions and to remember that, without mercy, none would find salvation. He calls for a reflection of God's mercy in our interactions with others, reminding us that mercy is essential in the pursuit of justice.
Blessed Are the Merciful
By Warren Wiersbe1PSA 18:25PSA 23:6LAM 3:22MAT 5:7LUK 6:38EPH 2:4COL 3:12JAS 2:13JUD 1:21Warren Wiersbe emphasizes the concept that mercy cannot be earned but is freely given by God. He explains that as Christians, we are called to be constant channels of mercy, receiving and extending it to others. Wiersbe highlights the liberating power of showing mercy, breaking free from grudges and experiencing God's love. He encourages believers to see others through the merciful eyes of Christ, recognizing every person as a candidate for God's mercy.
Augustine the Baker (1556)
By Clifford Fox0MAT 5:10ROM 12:19JAS 2:131PE 4:12Clifford Fox preaches about the martyrdom of Augustine, a baker who was unjustly sentenced to be burned alive for his faith. Despite the cruel treatment he faced, Augustine remained steadfast in his belief in Jesus, even challenging the burgomaster and predicting his own fate. The story serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of persecuting the righteous and the ultimate justice of God, who does not let such cruelty go unpunished.
(One Body in Christ) 2. Growing in Love
By Zac Poonen0MAT 18:35JHN 13:341CO 12:242CO 2:11EPH 4:11JAS 2:131PE 4:101JN 3:16Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of building up the Body of Christ through the exercise of spiritual gifts and love. He emphasizes that wherever gifts are mentioned in the New Testament, love is also stressed simultaneously. Christ-like love, characterized by sacrificial, unselfish actions, is the fundamental law of the body of Christ, requiring self-denial and forgiveness. Poonen highlights the need for sacrificial, unselfish love as the basis for true Christian fellowship, warning against selfishness and the hindrances it poses to genuine communion within the Body of Christ.
Matthew 5:7
By Chuck Smith0MercyGraceMAT 5:7LUK 6:36EPH 2:4JAS 2:13Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of mercy in the life of a Christian, stating that being merciful is a fundamental characteristic that reflects one's true nature as a follower of Christ. He explains that mercy involves not just a feeling of pity but also a desire to alleviate the suffering of others, drawing parallels to biblical examples such as the Good Samaritan and Joseph's forgiveness of his brothers. Smith warns against legalism and highlights that true mercy is rooted in grace, reminding us that we too have received mercy from God. Ultimately, he encourages believers to embody mercy in their daily lives as a testament to their faith.
We Receive as We Give
By C.H. Spurgeon0MercyForgivenessPSA 18:25PRO 11:25MIC 6:8MAT 5:7MAT 6:14LUK 6:38GAL 6:7EPH 4:32COL 3:13JAS 2:13C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the principle that mercy begets mercy, urging believers to forgive and give generously to others. He warns that those who refuse to show kindness and compassion will find themselves lacking mercy in their own lives. Spurgeon encourages the congregation to adopt a gentle and forgiving spirit, highlighting the joy and blessedness that comes from being merciful. He reminds us that the promise of receiving mercy is a profound gift of God's grace, and that our actions towards others directly influence our own spiritual well-being.
Greatest Salvation Sermon
By David Servant0EXO 23:4LEV 19:18DEU 32:35MAT 5:1MAT 19:9ROM 5:5JAS 2:131JN 3:7David Servant preaches on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the importance of understanding the true intent behind His teachings. Jesus corrected the misinterpretations of the scribes and Pharisees, highlighting the need for genuine righteousness that surpasses mere outward obedience. The sermon focuses on salvation, holiness, and the relationship between the two, urging listeners to examine their hearts and align with God's standards of love, mercy, purity, and peacemaking. Jesus calls for a righteousness that goes beyond legalism, emphasizing the importance of living out God's commandments with sincerity and love for others.
Being Merciful
By Zac Poonen0MercyForgivenessPSA 66:18MAT 6:12MAT 18:21MRK 11:25LUK 6:37JHN 13:14EPH 4:32COL 3:13JAS 2:13Zac Poonen emphasizes the necessity of mercy and forgiveness among believers, highlighting that our human nature often leads to unintentional harm to one another. He warns that harboring unforgiveness creates a 'little bit of hell' within us, which can hinder our relationship with God and even affect our physical health. Poonen stresses that true forgiveness requires brokenness and a desire for reconciliation, urging us to pray for the forgiveness of others as we seek our own. He reminds us that without forgiving others, our prayers may go unheard by God. Ultimately, the call to forgive is a reflection of our own need for mercy and a vital step towards spiritual healing.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For he shall have judgment - He who shows no mercy to man, or, in other words, he who does not exercise himself in works of charity and mercy to his needy fellow creatures, shall receive no mercy at the hand of God; for he hath said, Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. The unmerciful therefore are cursed, and they shall obtain no mercy. Mercy rejoiceth against judgment - These words are variously understood. 1. Mercy, the merciful man, the abstract for the concrete, exults over judgment, that is, he is not afraid of it, having acted according to the law of liberty, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 2. Ye shall be exalted by mercy above judgment. 3. For he (God) exalts mercy above judgment. 4. A merciful man rejoices rather in opportunities of showing mercy, than in acting according to strict justice. 5. In the great day, though justice might condemn every man according to the rigour of the law, yet God will cause mercy to triumph over justice in bringing those into his glory who, for his sake, had fed the hungry, clothed the naked, ministered to the sick, and visited the prisoners. See what our Lord says, Matthew 25:31-46. In the MSS. and versions there is a considerable variety of readings on this verse, and some of the senses given above are derived from those readings. The spirit of the saying may be found in another scripture, I will have mercy and not sacrifice - I prefer works of charity and mercy to every thing else, and especially to all acts of worship. The Royal Law, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, should particularly prevail among men, because of the miserable state to which all are reduced by sin, so that each particularly needs the help of his brother.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The converse of, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy" (Mat 5:7). Translate, "The judgment (which is coming on all of us) shall be without mercy to him who hath showed no mercy." It shall be such toward every one as every one shall have been [BENGEL]. "Mercy" here corresponds to "love," Jam 2:8. mercy rejoiceth against judgment--Mercy, so far from fearing judgment in the case of its followers, actually glorifieth against it, knowing that it cannot condemn them. Not that their mercy is the ground of their acquittal, but the mercy of God in Christ towards them, producing mercy on their part towards their fellow men, makes them to triumph over judgment, which all in themselves otherwise deserve.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For he shall have judgment without mercy,.... Strict justice, and no mercy shown him: that hath showed no mercy; to the poor brethren, and distressed members of Christ, but has shown respect of persons to the hurt of the poor, and has despised and oppressed them, instead of relieving and comforting them; so the rich man, that neglected Lazarus at his gates, is refused a drop of water to cool his tongue; and the servant that cruelly insisted on his fellow servant's paying him all he owed, justly incurred the displeasure of his Lord, and was by him delivered to the tormentors; and that servant that beats his fellow servants will be cut asunder, and, have his portion with hypocrites; and such who have seen any of the brethren of Christ hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, and in prison, and have showed no regard for them, will hear, "Go, ye cursed, into everlasting fire": and mercy rejoiceth against judgment; that is merciful men, who have shown mercy to the poor saints, will not be afraid of the awful judgment, but rather rejoice or glory, as the word signifies, in the view of it, since they will obtain mercy at that day, and hear, Come, ye blessed of my Father, &c. Mat 25:34 so the Ethiopic version renders it, he only shall glory in the day of judgment, who hath showed mercy; the Alexandrian copy reads in the imperative, "let mercy glory", &c. and the Syriac version, "be ye exalted by mercy over judgment".
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:13 James concludes this section (2:1-13) by correlating divine mercy with human mercy (see also Matt 6:14-15; Eph 4:32).