But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.
–Â James 1:25-26
“The perfect law of liberty” speaks so beautifully to the freedom found in obedience, not as constraint, but as wholeness. It calls us into a kind of mirror-like reflection: not just seeing the truth but living it out.
The contrast between being a “doer” versus a “forgetful hearer” challenge anyone who seeks to live authentically. Hearing God’s Word and doing nothing with it… that’s like gazing at your reflection and then walking away unchanged.
And then verse 26 cuts right to the heart: if someone presents themselves as devout but can’t control their words, they’re only deceiving themselves. There’s such grace and also deep accountability in that.
Centering truth but also beckoning the soul toward action and peace. Learning to control our actions and words is part of becoming more like Christ. It’s not about being flawless; it’s about being faithful. Every moment we bridle the tongue, extend kindness, or pause before reacting, we mirror His love just a bit more.“Justice begins not with condemnation, but with the courage to try again with mercy.”
"Only Life Changes" 