My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong? If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.
James 2:1-9
QUESTIONS:
- Can you recognize any of your personal biases?
- How have they played a role in how you see others?
- Is there an area that needs to change in light of today’s reading?
PRAYER: God, I want to thank you for the way you show us mercy. I am grateful for how Jesus erases the division in us in order to bring unity among us. Holy Spirit, please help me first to see people as you see them, so I can then learn to treat them as you treat me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Excerpts selected from The Book of James: 21 Day Devotional from Christ Fellowship Church on YouVersion app. Tap here for additional devotional content.