A Warning against Prejudice
1 My dear brothers and sisters,[a] 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[b] 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[c] you bear?
8 Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[d] 9 But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law.
10 For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws. 11 For the same God who said, “You must not commit adultery,” also said, “You must not murder.”[e] So if you murder someone but do not commit adultery, you have still broken the law.
12 So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. 13 There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.
Footnotes:
a. James 2:1 Greek brothers; also in 2:5, 14.
b. James 2:2 Greek your synagogue.
c. James 2:7 Greek slander the noble name.
d. James 2:8 Lev 19:18.
e. James 2:11 Exod 20:13-14; Deut 5:17-18.
6 comments:
Casting Crowns has a new song called "Does anybody Hear Her" and quite a few people are angry because of the lyrics below
"If judgment looms under every steeple,
If lofty glances from lofty people,
Can't see past her scarlet letter,
And we never even met her"
because they think it unfairly condemns all churches. I think the first verse from today’s reading sums up what our attitudes as Christians should be and I suspect that it just might not be the way it is at most churches.
Father God, you took me back and I know I did not deserve it. Help me not to be judgmental or discriminatory in any way
In Christ,
Cas
A thought provoking chapter. How often do we favor one over another for whatever reason? We as people all have biases.
vs 2-4 uses the illustration of rich vs poor but in today's society discrimination comes in many different forms.
Lord, I pray that we not only love all your people but treat everyone on the same level playing field. Help us to judge less on the outward appearance and more of the character of an individual.
vs. 10 For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws.
Amen, LT
While discriminatory is a strong word that many of us would probably deny we do, I find at least personally when looking at who I hang out with that the majority look pretty similar to myself. While I don't feel like I am doing this intentionally, I find it takes some effort to get out of my comfort zone. Lord, let me look for opportunities to get outside my comfort zone . Let me be sure I do not judge others on things that do not matter such as title, wealth or sharing the same politics.... but instead look at all as equals in God's Kingdon and be open to ideas different than my own..
CAS - another song similar in nature is "My Jesus" I think by Agnew....
Interesting verse. I'm sure we have all been approached by a homeless person(to use an example). I usually try to help. I try not to discriminate. I think that that could easily be me but I've worked hard to achieve what I have. Yet, I know I could do better.
Lord, help me to apply this to my faith.
I agree with all of your comments, and find myself equally guilty from time to time, from lesser to greater extents. With my partial hermit lifestyle, I just have less opportunities to be merciful, so I need to be even better about it.
Father, help me to approach your mercy. Let me show others the grace you've given me and my family.
In Jesus' name
Amen
crb
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