James 2:1 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.
Google defines favoritism as “the practice of giving unfair treatment to one person or group at the expense of another.” 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us that “The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” But if I am really honest with myself, despite all my knowledge that it is the wrong thing to do, I’m still guilty of showing favoritism and bias, of not giving everyone a fair shake. I think the tendency to do so is a very real part of our earthly struggle. Jesus, Help me.
James 2:5 …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?
It is even harder not to continue to judge someone who has hurt me in the past. Christ wiped my slate clean, removed my sins as far as the east is from the west, remembers my sins no more. And yet, I am often guilty of retaining a hardness of heart due to past hurts and transgressions. I am guilty at times of not wiping the slate clean, of not allowing a fresh, unblemished start for others. Jesus, Help me.
James 2:8 If you really want to keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing it right.
Lord, Thank You for this day and our time together this morning. Thank You for showing me an area You want me to work on. Thank You for Your love and mercy, for wiping my slate clean, for giving me a fresh start. Help me, Jesus, to treat others, all others, as You treat me. Draw me closer. Amen.
James 2:13 …judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.