*James 2:1-13
James warns against showing favoritism and emphasizes that faith must be accompanied by good works.
- Warning Against Favoritism:
- James warns against showing favoritism within the Christian community, emphasizing that faith in Jesus Christ should not coexist with partiality.
- An example is given where a rich man with fine clothes receives preferential treatment over a poor man in shabby clothes when they visit an assembly.
- Sin of Partiality:
- Favoritism is identified as a sin, and James challenges believers by asking them to consider if such actions align with the values taught by Christ.
- He explains that choosing to favor the rich contradicts God’s choice to favor the poor, whom He has chosen to be rich in faith and inherit the kingdom.
- Royal Law and Love:
- Believers are reminded to fulfill the “royal law” according to Scripture, which is to “love your neighbor as yourself.”
- James stresses that showing partiality violates this royal law.
- Consequences of Breaking the Law:
- It is pointed out that whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point is guilty of breaking all of it, illustrating the seriousness of any sin, including partiality.
- Specific reference is made to the commandments not to commit adultery or murder, highlighting that breaking any part of the law makes one a lawbreaker.
- Judgment with Mercy:
- James reminds believers that they will be judged by the law that gives freedom, implying a judgment based not only on adherence to the law but also on the mercy shown by individuals.
- He emphasizes the blessedness of showing mercy, asserting that mercy triumphs over judgment.
2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
2:2 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; 2:3 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: 2:4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? 2:5 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? 2:6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? 2:7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: 2:9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
2:11 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.
2:12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
2:13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.