SATURDAY November 23, 2019

Show No Partiality

My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,” have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?
James 2:1-4

The Apostle James, the half-brother of Jesus, gave insight to the deity of Jesus Christ––the Lord of glory. He makes it clear that anyone can accept Jesus whether poor or rich. So how should we treat people? James exhorted believers not to be respecters of persons. A rich person coming to church wearing gold rings should not be ushered into the best seat upfront. Neither should the poor be told to sit in inferior places––in the back. A Christian should never, ever be a respecter of persons.

We need to understand our humble position in Christ. When believers get into leadership, partiality can become a big problem. There are those Christians who will try to get close to important people, to those who are rich and who hold a place of prominence. Others try to get in with those who are popular in the Church. It is so easy to do.

If there is partiality, where is the love of Christ? Christians should treat all people the same way; there is no hierarchy in the body of Christ. We should respect one another and what God is doing in each other’s lives. It is important to be careful how we treat others. Christians should never be rude to people. Believers need to be loving, kind and respectful to all people in the Church. Make sure the love of Jesus Christ is extended to all people.

“ ‘You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty. In righteousness you shall judge your neighbor.’ ”
~Leviticus 19:15~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!