"You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you."
After several verses in which he admonishes the abusive actions of wealthy landowners, James concludes his rebuke with an alarming statement. Pulling no punches, James equates their mistreatment of harvest workers with murder, accusing the oppressors of indulging in excess, while the workers starve.
So how can we apply this verse in our own lives? By taking a moment to understand the attitudes of the oppressors, we can begin to see where we must ask God to guard our own minds. If we crave wealth more than we desire God’s love, we will value those who are created in His image less than we should. If we trust in our resources instead of in the One who provides our daily bread, we compete with others instead of caring for them.
or behind James’ words, we hear the echo of Jesus, reminding us that where our hearts are, there our treasures will be.
