James 2:1-13  As an effectual "doer" of the Word, living according to the Truth, we need to be aware of our attitudes towards others.  James points out an attitude of "favoritism" that his readers needed to address in their congregations. It is one that we need to examine in our own lives and churches as well. 

James gives us an illustration of the problem.  Two people enter the church. One is obviously wealthy and one is obviously not.  The rich man is treated well and the poor man is set aside.  ".. have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives?"  James asks.   

To make "distinctions"...  in today's cultural chaos we call it  discrimination... prejudice.. inequality....  It is pronouncing  judgement because of a  person's appearance, status, race, etc.  Out of "evil motives"....  selfishness or greed or hatred.. or whatever has hardened our hearts. 

Jesus said, "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgement." ( John 7:24) 

James is saying the same thing.. act according to the truth, not according to "personal favoritism".  The truth.. in his illustration.. is that this "poor man" is chosen.. "did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?"( v5)  The truth is that this "rich man" is like the ones who "drag you into court [and/or]... blaspheme the fair name by which you have been called."  (v6-7)

By not using righteous judgement, based on the Truth.. they were dishonoring the man they should have honored.  Instead, they should have treated both men according to "the royal law"... as the Word commands - "You shall love your neighbors as yourself."   This is living according to the truth-  and that is wisdom..

James goes on to point out that partiality is a sin.. just as much of a sin as adultery or murder.  His point is that sin is sin.. "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all." ( v10)

But, we have been shown mercy! "So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty".  We have a Savior who showed us undeserved mercy by dying on the cross for our sins-all of them.  To act in accordance with this Truth.. we are also to show mercy to others.  

This is such a vital truth! "For judgement will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgement."  Jesus said, "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. And do not judge and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon and you will be pardoned. Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap. For by your standard of measure it we be measured to you in return." (Luke 6:36-38) 

Father in heaven, we come again to ask for wisdom to live according to the Truth of Your Word, that every word and deed would be to the glory of Your holy Name. Forgive us for acting out of wrong, evil motives, instead of out of love and compassion. Thank You for the mercy You have shown to us! Holy Spirit, teach us to walk in these truths..to be merciful as You are merciful; to love our neighbors.. impartially and compassionately..  Let Your will be done in us, Your church,  Lord God. In Jesus' name we pray. amen