Jesus didn't show favoritism. He loved and served all kinds of people equally. Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ likewise should never show favoritism. Paul's dinner party example shows that when we show favoritism, what we are really doing is judging others with evil thoughts. This we should never do, for Jesus teaches us not to judge others.

James says we should not show favoritism because God chose those who are "poor in the eyes" to be rich in faith. It is they who will inherit the kingdom of God. James reminded them it was sometimes the rich unbelievers who persecuted them by dragging them to court. In doing this, they blasphemed God's name.

How can we keep from showing favoritism? We do so by obeying the royal law-to love your neighbor as yourself. How could we show favoritism if we love each other as we love ourselves? There is no room for favoritism in the love of Jesus. Showing favoritism may not seem too serious, for that is one way we can show we love our brother! But if we break one part of the law, we are lawbreakers. If we are not merciful to others, we will be judged without mercy!


Application: Father, I always treat those close to me with favoritism. Help me to repent and obey the royal law to love others.
One Word: Do not show favoritism; love your neighbor as yourself