We Will Get What We Give

So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. [James 2.12]

I am still a little fuzzy on this, but I think I am getting something from this today that never before have I understood.

James completes the above quoted verse with verse 13:

There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others.  But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.

It would seem James is saying that if we fail to allow others the freedoms we claim as our own, then we negate those very freedoms' relevance to our own life.  If we are not merciful, we will not receive mercy.  If we do not love, we will receive no love.  If we do not forgive, we will receive no forgiveness...

We will get what we give.

Father, I am reminded by James of Jesus' instruction for us to pray "Forgive us in the same way we forgive."