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James 2:1-7 - Remove All Partiality
Chapter 2 is really about compassion. The believer who is properly connected to the Bible is also properly connected to the body of Christ. The believer who stands firm in Christ serves with compassion. In chapter 1, James made it clear that true religion finds an outlet in service, a service which demands that a believer learn to accept others without prejudice and to assist others without presumption.
Verses 1-13 of chapter 2 is about not showing favoritism and accepting others. James became increasingly specific and direct in his admonitions and instructions. He was obviously displeased with the inconsistencies among the brethren. He attacked the attitudes these believers displayed toward others and then complained of their failures to act as they should. He first condemned the attitude of favoritism and gave suggestions on how to combat this obstacle to spiritual maturity. We must learn to accept others, whatever their status or class. We must show courtesy to all, compassion for all, and consistency to all. Fairness, love, and faithfulness are the vital ingredients.
In James 2:1-9, we find that age-old rivalry between the rich and the poor. The rich person gets the attention, while the poor person is ignored. The rich person is honored, the poor person is disgraced. How tragic it is when local churches get their values confused and cater to the rich and elite while they ignore, or even reject, the poor and lowly. If fellowship in a church depends on such external things as clothing and economic status, then the church is out of the will of God.
James wanted to help us practice God’s Word, so he gave us a simple test. He sent two visitors to a church service, a rich man and a poor man; and he illustrated how they were treated. The way we behave toward people indicates what we really believe about God![1] We cannot separate human relationships from divine fellowship. “If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” (1 John 4:20, ESV)
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By Matthew TaylorChapter 2 is really about compassion. The believer who is properly connected to the Bible is also properly connected to the body of Christ. The believer who stands firm in Christ serves with compassion. In chapter 1, James made it clear that true religion finds an outlet in service, a service which demands that a believer learn to accept others without prejudice and to assist others without presumption.
Verses 1-13 of chapter 2 is about not showing favoritism and accepting others. James became increasingly specific and direct in his admonitions and instructions. He was obviously displeased with the inconsistencies among the brethren. He attacked the attitudes these believers displayed toward others and then complained of their failures to act as they should. He first condemned the attitude of favoritism and gave suggestions on how to combat this obstacle to spiritual maturity. We must learn to accept others, whatever their status or class. We must show courtesy to all, compassion for all, and consistency to all. Fairness, love, and faithfulness are the vital ingredients.
In James 2:1-9, we find that age-old rivalry between the rich and the poor. The rich person gets the attention, while the poor person is ignored. The rich person is honored, the poor person is disgraced. How tragic it is when local churches get their values confused and cater to the rich and elite while they ignore, or even reject, the poor and lowly. If fellowship in a church depends on such external things as clothing and economic status, then the church is out of the will of God.
James wanted to help us practice God’s Word, so he gave us a simple test. He sent two visitors to a church service, a rich man and a poor man; and he illustrated how they were treated. The way we behave toward people indicates what we really believe about God![1] We cannot separate human relationships from divine fellowship. “If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” (1 John 4:20, ESV)