18
Doers have No Favorites
Rod ShimabukuroMy brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? James 2:1-4
While living out faith through life (works) is an overarching theme of James, the man of action, he draws attention to several areas of action in his letter. One of which is favoritism. Becoming "judges with evil thoughts" is a strong statement. James admonishes his largely Jewish audience to treat the poor fairly. To be just, showing no favoritism is unacceptable.
He later writes in v13-15..."For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food,"
So the works of faith is to love, not passing judgement on the poor who don't dress like "you." For this kind of faith without works is dead. V17.
I'm so quick to judge the ,outward looks of others. Of course I try my very best to be secretive about my favoritism and passing judgement. Except my recognition of my "favorite daughter!!! Malia!!!! ". It's hard not to "favor her" at times, but seriously....I love and would give my life for All of my kids!!!!
My problem is that i judge those who don't act, dress, smell, believe like me. I think I'm more harsh with Christians, who act like Christians, but in my opinion are riding the fence of worldliness. I judge these types! Or the types who "have it all together, and know it all." I think I need a flushing and purging of my heart, mind and soul!!
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for your favor upon me. I know all your creation are loved by You! But thank you for your favor upon Your children! Please help me to treat people with Your love and respect! May Your mercy on and in me, triumph over my sinful heart to judge others! Please help!
