THURSDAY July 9, 2026

Rich in Faith

Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called?
James 2:5-7

A loving exhortation was given to Christians. James gave them a reality check by reasoning with them against the sin of partiality. God has chosen to give the poor of this world a rich, spiritual inheritance. So what if they did not have any money; they were rich in faith and heirs of a heavenly kingdom. James reminded the rich not to dishonor the poor in the church. The rich in this world were the ones who oppressed the poor and blasphemed the noble name of Christ whom they served. Why be like them?

When Jesus taught the Sermon on the Mount, He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). Jesus spoke of those who were spiritually bankrupt, but when they repented and accepted Him as their Savior, they became incredibly rich by receiving an eternal inheritance. Christians, both rich and poor, have become rich in the grace of God––more than any rich millionaire in this world.

James shared that the Gospel of Jesus Christ was for anyone who wanted to accept it, whether poor or rich. There are too many Christians who judge people from their outward appearances or get into titles, such as reverend, pastor, elder, administrator or overseer, yet, we need to treat people equally.

The Church does not exist to cater to the rich and prominent. Christians cannot treat those who are rich like gold and the poor like castoffs. Jesus is our example. He did not have much materially in this world; in fact, He became poor so that we could become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). Are you guilty of being a respecter of persons by only catering to the rich? Think about it. Have you dishonored the poor in the body of Christ? Ask God to help you look at everyone in the church as a sinner saved by grace.

For there is no partiality with God.
~Romans 2:11~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!