Sometimes it really blows my mind at how clear Scripture speaks. It is hard for me to put in to words how the Bible is more than the greatest book ever written. When you really sit back and pay attention to the Bible you have an opportunity to meet; some of the coolest, most gangsta, most romantic, or anything else you crave from your TV selection, people I know. ( I need to brush up on my grammar skills. That was a long sentence. lol)

When I read James 2, I was taken by surprise at his sarcasm and authority. It peeked my interest in what James had to say.

1 My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? 2 For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. 3 If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, 4 doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?

This really makes me think about how I treat all people. Do I express favoritism or partiality for any reason? Do I love all of you the same?

8 Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  9 But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law.10 For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws. 

So, this convicted my little judgmental heart! Once we get to a place of maturity it can become so easy to look down on others for their sin. But do we ever really look at our own? Have you looked at someone and said, “I can’t believe he/she did that?” “I would never.” If you are anything like me you have. I had to become aware of how I treat others because of how they choose to live their lives or their choices.

12 So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. 13 There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.

Lord please set me free from the controlling power if sin. Promote endurance and growth toward perfection. Anything hindering my change, remove it from me. Guide me in loving my neighbors because of my loyalty to you. In Jesus name, Amen.