James 2:1, 8-9
“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.”
James 2:1, 8-9 NIV
We are not simply to believe in a statement of faith with our intellectual mind, but we are to live out our personal, trusting faith in Christ in every aspect of our daily life. We do this by the way that we live, by the words we say, and by the actions that we carry out. We also do this by our attitudes and our behavior, the inner thoughts of our mind, and the hidden motives of the heart.
The life that we live is to be a true reflection of the life of the Lord Jesus Christ. He lived in total dependence upon His Father in heaven, through prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, and in willing submission to the leading and guidance of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ walked in unbroken fellowship with His Heavenly Father, in the power of the Holy Spirit, during His entire sojourn here on earth.
And like Christ we too are to walk in spirit and in truth and to live our lives in total submission and humble obedience to the indwelling Holy Spirit of God. Like our heavenly Lord, we too are to become a servant of all, without fear and without favor, without prejudice and without discrimination, without cultural bigotry, perceived biases, or hidden prejudices.
Those who hold the faith of Christ should obey the command to love our neighbors as ourselves. This includes not showing favoritism to the rich over the poor. To show partiality means to give preferential treatment to certain people while neglecting others, which goes against the principles of love and compassion.
We are called to extend kindness, empathy, and respect to all individuals, regardless of their background, status, or appearance. And by loving our neighbor as ourselves. God calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves, demonstrating genuine care and consideration for others just as we would for our own well-being.
When we adhere to this teaching, we create a community built on mutual respect and understanding, where everyone is valued and uplifted without discrimination or favoritism. Let’s strive to live out this message by treating everyone with love and equality, just as we would want for ourselves.
Let’s work together to break down barriers and treat everyone with equality and fairness. Let’s choose love over discrimination and embrace each person for who they are. Will you join me in creating a world where everyone is valued and respected?
Only then will we dispel partiality from our hearts, and only then will we see that self-protection undermines the call to obedient application of Scripture!!!
Father, thank You for this day and that You provide us with Your Spirit so we can do Your Will today. Let Your abundant blessings fall from the windows of heaven over my friend and family today. Lord help us focus on trying to use Your power and not our own. Let us not create division where You have created unity. Let us not look down on someone just because they are different from us mentally, physically, or emotionally, because spiritually You have made us one. Lord give us Your heart for Your people so that we may be passionate about reaching out to all people and not just those who make us feel comfortable. Be a blessing.
Father, we love You. Amen !
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