Lesson 4972

Lesson 4972) (09-11-25) James 2:1-9 

   “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 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; 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: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? 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? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” 

 

   Today’s quote warns against showing favoritism in the church. We, the children of God, are told not to pretend we have faith of Jesus Christ while separating people by their class or appearance, such as giving special honor to the rich while shaming the poor. James gives the example of seating a rich man in a place of honor while making a poor man sit in a lower spot. He reminds us that God has chosen the poor, who are rich in faith, to be heirs of the kingdom He promised to those who love Him. To dishonor the poor is to go against God’s will. The quote concludes by stressing that showing favoritism is sin and because breaks the commandment of Jesus, who said: “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” ~