James 2: 1-10
My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby 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 became judges with evil thoughts?
Listen, my dear brothers: 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? Buy you have insulted 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 slandering 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. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.
A Thought
James speaks to us as believers in Jesus Christ that we should treat all mankind the same rich or poor. He reminds us that God chose each of us to be rich in faith. Sometimes we are guilty of trusting in the riches of this world instead of trusting in God. The most important thing we can possess is our relationship with Jesus. If we are not careful we will be weighted down by the riches of this world and forget our neighbors that are in need.
Our Prayer
Father forgive us when we do not show your love to all without discrimination. Help us to show your love by freely giving to all. In Jesus’ name, we ask amen.
