1 My fellow believers, do not practice your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of partiality [toward people—show no favoritism, no prejudice, no snobbery]. 2 For if a man comes into your [a]meeting place [b]wearing a gold ring and [c]fine clothes, and a poor man in dirty clothes also comes in, 3 and you pay special attention to the one who wears the [d]fine clothes, and say to him, “You sit here in this good seat,” and you tell the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down [on the floor] by my footstool,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves, and become judges with wrong motives?

5 Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters: has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and [as believers to be] heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? 6 But you [in contrast] have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress and exploit you, and personally drag you into the courts of law? 7 Do they not blaspheme the [e]precious name [of Christ] by which you are called?

James 2:1-7 (AMP) 中文 

Pulls out the hammer

Up to now, when James gives teaching it’s been, well soft: “Consider it all joy”, “if any of you lacks”, etc. Here he pulls out the hammer! “Do not” is pretty direct and stern. It causes us to wonder if this was a serious problem in the new, fledgling gatherings of Jewish Christians “dispersed abroad”. He starts his example with “If…” rather than “when…” which makes it seem hypothetical. But we can assume if it was not a problem, he wouldn’t bring it up.

Favoritism forbidden

So James is very clear – it’s not allowed. Jesus experienced this and also addressed it. Take a look at Mark 2:13-17 where Jesus very intentionally, and lovingly, eats dinner with the “outcasts” of society. He did this in full view of the religious leaders – not to show off in a hypocritical manner and they did (Matthew 6:5), but to draw attention to the social issue that reflected a heart issue.

James gives the faith-based reasons for not showing favoritism. He also adds a socioeconomic one – the rich exploit and oppress them. And worse, they blaspheme God.

Favoritism today

What does favoritism (or discrimination) look like today? In the US, most immediately think of race discrimination, blacks and whites (though it extends to any race and even between other races). James mentions economic. How many churches are intentional about reaching and including other classes of society? How about mental discrimination or handicapped? Do our churches welcome ALL? Not just welcome to attend church, but serve and include them and give opportunities for them to serve?

God’s favoritism?

Embedded in this message about favoritism (of men) is a truth Jesus preached very clearly about God’s favoritism. It seems James is referring to Luke 6:20-26 where Jesus, “began saying, ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. 22 Blessed are you when the people hate you, and when they exclude you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man. 23 Rejoice on that day and jump for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven…24 But woe to you who are rich, for you are receiving your comfort in full…’”

RЯeflection

• Of course, this stern teaching is not just for the Jews of James’ time; it’s for us. We need to ask ourselves who we treat poorly, improperly. Ask the Spirit to shine His bright light to expose our sin. And, to get to the core of the matter. Does it show insecurity in our own identity or expose past hurts? Or is it just pride, plain and simple?
• How about in your church? Does it welcome the “outcasts” in such a way they feel welcomed and come back (not just for handouts)? Are they integrated into the body of Christ? What do you think your role is in this?