My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: 4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? 5 Hearken , my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? 6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? 7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called ? 8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: 9 But if ye have respect to persons , ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. 10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 For he that said , Do not commit adultery , said also, Do not kill . Now if thou commit no adultery , yet if thou kill , thou art become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak ye , and so do , as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS:
1) What are we not to do as believers (v.1)?
2) What two examples of religious hypocrisy does James write about (v.2-4)?
3) Whom has God chosen to be “rich in faith” (v.5)?
4) Who oppresses others and blasphemes the name of our Lord (v.6-7)?
5) What law(s) have we transgressed when we show favoritism (v.8-11)?
6) How are we, who are under the law of liberty, to treat others? Why? (v.12-13)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
1) How do you treat those who can do nothing for you?
2) Have you ever found yourself responding more favorably toward a particular group of people than to other groups of people?
3) What do you do when faced with personal prejudice against, or favoritism toward, an individual or group?
LIFE LESSONS:
1) God has no “favorites” and does not expect His children to have any either.
2) The blessings and favor of God are not measured by one’s material wealth.
3) The Lord expects His children to love the people He loves. God loves everyone.
4) Our love for others is measured by the mercy we show to all people.
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