James 2:2-4

September 12, 2024

...Especially in the Church

James warns us about the risks of showing favoritism in the church. He describes a situation where a wealthy man, dressed in expensive clothes and flashy rings, walks into a gathering of Christians and is treated like royalty, while a poor man wearing ragged clothes is told to either stand or sit on the floor. This example illustrates the early church's struggle with social differences. Even in the early writings of Christians, leaders were reminded not to favor those who were wealthy or powerful.

The church was special in the ancient world because it was meant to be a place where social differences didn’t matter. However, it often faced real challenges: masters and slaves would sit together, and sometimes slaves even led the services. While this could be a bit strange and uncomfortable, the church was meant to be a community where everyone is equal before God.

In Christ, there is no room for favoritism. All earthly distinctions vanish in the presence of the King of Glory. Showing favoritism reflects the world's way of thinking, not God's. Instead, we should strive to treat everyone with the same respect and love, recognizing each person as God sees them—valuable and cherished.

Do you have any biases or preferences that might lead you to treat people differently in your faith community? How can you better show God’s unconditional love to everyone?

² Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. ³ 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,” ⁴ have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

James 2:2-4