August 25, 2014

CHOOSING FAVORITES

James 2:1–13

Lindsey Lauderdale
Monday's Devo

August 25, 2014

Monday's Devo

August 25, 2014

Central Truth

Jesus, our example, does not show favoritism (Romans 2:11). Therefore, favoritism has no place in the attitudes or actions of believers in Christ. When we show favoritism, we are not able to love others as Christ calls us to do in the royal law.

Key Verse | James 2:8–9

If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. (James 2:8-9)

James 2:1–13

The Sin of Partiality

My brothers, 1 2:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 5, 14 show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?

If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. 11 For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. 13 For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Footnotes

[1] 2:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 5, 14

Dive Deeper | James 2:1–13

When I first read this passage, I didn't think that partiality was a sin struggle for me. But as I studied the passage more, the Lord was quick and kind to point out many ways in which I show partiality. One way stood out to me because it isn't what I would normally think of as partiality. It is something that could seem trivial and is often seen as acceptable, at least to a point.

As you now know, I went to a school in the great Southeastern Conference. Much like Texas pride, we all too often think that we are better than all the other conferences. A few years back, I was faced with just how much I preferred the SEC like it was before Mizzou and A&M were invited to join. I disliked this change so much because I thought my conference was too good for them. I could not even begin to talk football with my friends for fear that the ugliness in my heart would be seen by all. Despite my attempts to hide my partiality, it was noticed, and it really hurt my friends. We worked through this conflict, but what I learned was that I let my college football preferences and my selfishness become more important than loving my friends. That seems ridiculous when you step away and look at it now. But how often do we find ourselves in situations like these?

Jesus calls us to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, and mind and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). This is the royal law James is referencing. God calls us to total obedience, and when we show partiality, whether trivial or not, we are breaking this law. I will never perfectly follow this law, but Christ has fulfilled it and joyfully bestows His mercy on us -- the mercy that triumphs over judgment like love triumphs over partiality.

Discussion Questions

1. In what ways do see an attitude of partiality in your life?

2. What labels do you catch yourself giving people? What do those labels say about the way you view those people?

3. Think about God and His character. Do you think that He is partial or impartial? What Scripture supports your belief?