Favoritism vs. Love

Today’s reading is out of James 2:1-13. Begin today’s devotion by reading this passage in your Bible.

Ever heard the old saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover?” This is often what we do with people that we meet in life. We look at what’s on the outside and then make judgments based only on what we can see about a person’s value. Although this is very common outside the church, James wants to encourage us to think differently as Christians.

In James 2, James warns against showing favoritism and discrimination in the church. He uses an example of favoritism that all of us have probably seen and experienced before (vs. 2-3). Suppose a homeless man comes into the church on a Sunday morning and needs help finding a seat. He’s wearing ragged clothes, has a distinct body odor, and really needs a shave. At the same time a well dressed and successful lawyer walks in the room and needs your help. Would you treat the two men the same way? Or would you be kinder, more loving, and more welcoming to the “more put together” person?

James invites each of us to look beyond the surface (vs.5-7) and recognize the intrinsic value that each of us share. This to love our neighbor as we love ourselves (vs.8). At the core of our common identity is the truth that each of us are made in the image of God and have intrinsic value and should be treated with equal dignity and respect. Showing favoritism or discriminating against another based on race, gender, or socio-economic position is completely against the heart of God.

Let’s read again from God’s Word and reflect deeper on the passage below.

James 2:1-9 (NLT) 1My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?2 For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. 3 If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, 4 doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? 5 Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? 6 But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? 7 Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear? 8 Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 9 But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law.

Reflect

1. What speaks to you most from this passage? How is God challenging or encouraging you with it?
2. Why do you think the Bible so strongly condemns favoritism? What do you think this says about the heart of God?
3. What are some practical ways that you can “love your neighbor as yourself” today?

Act

Spend a few moments in prayer about the topic for today. Ask God to help you see people how He sees them and then respond accordingly.

Pray

Thank you so much for the way that you love each of us equally, Father. We are made in your image and are fearfully and wonderfully made by your hand. Please help me to treat other people as you would treat them today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.