Together in Christ: 'Show No Favoritism' — James 2:1-4

The story of the Bible reminds us that God loves and cares for all sorts of people regardless of their social standing or any other characteristic. As Peter told Cornelius and those hearing the message of Christ:

"I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. ^[1]

In our verses today, the half-brother brother of Jesus, James, reminds us that prejudice doesn't involve just race and nationality but also includes discrimination based on social class, caste, and economic condition. We are all one in Christ. We are brothers and sisters of the King of Glory. ^[2] We are included in the family of God with full rights as God's children. ^[3] When we use worldly standards of judging people — their wealth, social status, race, or caste — James tells us clearly that we "guided by evil motives." If God has welcomed people into His family, we must receive and love them as our family on equal status as ourselves, regardless of the labels the world gives them.

So, dear brother or sister in Christ, let's make this a bit more real with a question for the Holy Spirit to use on our hearts to transform our behaviors. When did we last include someone of a different race, socioeconomic class, education level, or caste in our table fellowship, friendship, or close spiritual group? You see, loving all of our brothers and sisters is only theory until we make an effort to ensure it is real in our daily lives! Divisions based on human differences and titles are "controlled by [our] sinful nature" and reveal that we are "living like people of the world." ^[4] So, dear friend in Jesus, we must both believe and practice James' words of correction in our divided world:

My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?