Love And Respect

My brothers do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ of glory with partiality. [1]

There’s been a lot talk these days against people of a certain skin color who are deemed supremacist-minded over others. Therefore, the above passage on partiality caught my attention in a new way this morning.

The Lord advises us not to show partiality towards newcomers based on their economic status:

“For if a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, comes into your gathering place, and a poor man in filthy clothing also comes in, and you pay special attention to him who wears the fine clothing and say, ‘Sit here in a good place;’ and you tell the poor man, ‘Stand there,’ or ‘Sit by my footstool.’” [2]

What else caught my attention? There are three commonly quoted verses in theological circles:

“For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all.” [3]

“Faith without works is dead.” [4]

“You believe that God is one. You do well. The demons also believe, and shudder.” [5]

Then, the Lord mentions Rahab. [6] Rahab was a foreigner. A woman from a wicked city. She was a harlot. BUT it was her faith in Israel’s God that led her to help His people to victory. She believed God. She is in the genealogy of JESUS. [7]

So, I also see in this chapter a strong message against racism. It is not enough to keep many of the laws like, “Do not commit adultery.” [8] The Lord says, “If you show partiality, you commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressor.” [9] An intellectual nod to God is not enough. Demons believe God exists. There must be a change of heart towards people.

The Lord says, “Judgment is without mercy to him who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” [10]

Another example in this chapter is Abraham. He was willing to give up his son for God. However, the Lord exempted him from this offering, and declared Abraham to be His friend. [11]

Abraham’s faith in God was mixed with love for God.

I hear the Lord saying… “Let your faith in Me be demonstrated by impartiality. Treat all people with love and respect.”

[1] James 2:1
[2] James 2:2-3
[3] James 2:10
[4] James 2:17
[5] James 2:19
[6] James 2:25
[7] Matthew 1:5
[8] James 2:10
[9] James 2:9
[10] James 2:13
[11] James 2:21-24