James 2:1-4 — Hi Bestie

READ THIS: James 2:1-4

1 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 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. 3 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,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
 
WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?

People who believe in Jesus are called to have the same heart toward everyone by loving others as Jesus loves us. Jesus doesn't decide to love Dan more than Liz on Tuesday and then decide on Saturday to love Liz more than Dan because Liz decided to dress better. Our love for others doesn't depend on ANYTHING they do or say. Our love for others depends ENTIRELY on what Jesus does and says. Jesus lived a perfect life where He spoke to the poor, to prostitutes, and to tax collectors (the people no one else wanted to talk to). Then, He died so that His perfect life would stand in place of our imperfect lives, inviting us to leave behind the times we used to show favoritism and instead show His love that has radically changed our lives. We aren't the ones who can judge other people because we don't see everything God sees, and we also have our own issues that make it hard for us to be impartial judges anyway. 


THINK ABOUT IT:

1. What's the difference between loving all people and liking all people? Is it fair to distinguish between like/love?
 
2. What's the first thing you notice about other people? What do you think is the first thing God notices about them? 

 
TRY THIS:

The first family member you see today, take a second and notice what you think God would notice about that person, whether it's a parent/grandparent/sibling/etc! (Not your dog/cat/hamster...)


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