Daily Walk Through the New Testament
February 14
Read James 2:1-26
James discussed something that is absolutely incompatible with the Christian faith: the sin of partiality (2:1-13). It is essentially playing favorites or being snobby in the house of god. It is letting yourself be influenced by some kind of outward consideration rather than pausing long enough to see what’s really on the inside. But if a true New Testament church understands the teachings of the Scriptures, it is a community in which everyone is someone and Jesus Christ is Lord.
Proverbs 28:21 says, “To show partiality is not good.” Why? Because every person is of great worth to God. Favoritism says there are some people who are worth more than other people. Proverbs 22:2 says, “The rich and the poor have this in common, the Lord is the maker of them all.”
When Jesus came into the world and died on the cross of Calvary, He died for all. Anyone who wants to be saved can be saved! It has been said that the ground is level at the foot of the cross. That is absolutely true! If we are the people of God following the Word of god, we simply must not play favorites among each other.
How could your interactions with different people within the body of Christ be described? Do you treat those who are wealthy, powerful, or nice-looking better than those who are not? Is there anyone you consider insignificant or undeserving of your attention, respect, and love? If you are guilty of showing favoritism, acknowledge it as a sin and repent of it. Ask God to put His heart in you, so that you may sincerely value and love people as He does.