May 11
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JAMES 2
My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 2 For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, 3 and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” 4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called? – James 2:1-7
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JAMES 2 ON PREJUDICE & PARTIALITY
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
When the Lord made us into his likeness, he had no favorites
To some he gave certain gifts and to others he gave other abilities
The Lord doesn’t care about material riches and possessions of man
He is only concerned with spiritual riches and how loving and fair we are.
If we serve the Lord our God, we must not have biases as well
To show prejudice on some as compared to others is hostile
We evoke judgment when we show partiality towards someone
How can we treat others with respect and discriminate another human?
When we set standards towards others because we have preferences
We fail to see the beautiful creation that God has made in our differences
To discriminate someone because they do not live up to your ideals
Manifests a world view that isn’t lined up with God’s justice and equality.
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REFLECTION
• Share an experience where you have been prejudiced or shown partiality. What was going through your mind and heart as you were shown such discrimination?
• What did James mean when he said you become judges with evil thoughts?