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Favoritism and Mercy (Study of James- Part 13)

Many people don’t know that favoring someone over somebody else is a sin. Have you ever walked passed a homeless man and not give them money or chat with him or help him in any way, because he is homeless or is that strange to do so? I must say, I used to, but after I found Jesus, I always carry tracts and bibles with me, if I ever see homeless people I always stop to say hi. Once I was kicked out of my house, I was homeless few time’s, because of my faith, when I saw this homeless men digging in thrash for food, I pulled a $20 bill out my wallet and gave it to him. I was teared to piece seeing that. Hey I was homeless at the time, and I understood I needed to used that money to, but I knew God would provide my needs, because I’m his people.

Why is favoritism a Sin?

  1. You become a Judge when you favor someone over somebody. 
  1. You discriminate 
  1. It is evil thoughts 

“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious LordJesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” (James 2:1-4)

Favoritism is not part of Christian walk with God. God doesn’t fly that way. Mater in fact, he chose the rejection of the world to be his people. He chose the one’s this world didn’t favor, and for sure God didn’t favor us, because we have sin. He chose us to follow him and be his people. We should follow his example, and favor no one. Love everyone the same. God loves everyone the same no matter if they come to Christ or didn’t come to Christ. We are called to do the same. Also, why would you love this world, if they hate you and God?

“Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong? (James 2:5-7)

We also need to understand that this is what can make us break the heart of the law and cause us to become law breakers. Many of you may say, “Jesus saves me”, but you must understand you can’t talk the talk without a walk.

“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.” (James 2:8-11)

Question?

  • How are you and I, as Christian, going to bring people to Christ, if our deeds are like the world? Sure we may have faith. Okay, but how can people see our faith? With our deeds (by what we do). Not by where we go, but by what we do. God wants us doing something. Today, this week, this month, this year, this lifetime, that you’re alive, don’t favor people, love everyone as they are and point them to Christ by your actions. 

“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” (James 2:12-13)

In the above verse says “speak and act”. See that brings me back to my next point, and the whole point of the book or letter of James. Don’t just say you’re saved, live it so that people will know that you’re saved.

When it says, “judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.” When Jesus comes back to the world and the “Day of Judgment” comes, everyone will answer for what they have done. Then, judgment will be given only to those who have not been merciful and mercy to those who have not judged. Favoring somebody is judging. You need to watch out.