Monday, June 4, 2012

"Brotherly Love (Favoritism is Forbidden)"


Sometime ago, I felt the Lord leading me to look up a Scripture in the book of James. It was the Second Chapter in James to be exact. So, I looked it up, with no clue as to what I would find. To my surprise, it spoke of treating the poor and the rich equally! It says: (James 2:1-9)- "My Brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of Glory with respect of persons." (2) "For if there come unto you assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment." (3) "And you have respect to him who wears the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit you here in a good place (show him partiality); and say to the poor, you stand there, or sit here under my footstool (proclaims a terrible attitude and spirit)." (4) "Are you not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? (5) "Hearken, my beloved Brethren, Has not God chosen the poor of this world rich in Faith, and heirs of the Kingdom which He has promised to them who love Him?" (6) "But you have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgement seats?" (7) "Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by which you are called (those who place their Faith and trust in money)?" (8) "If you fulfill the Royal Law according to the Scripture (Matthew 22:39), You shall love your neighbor as yourself, you do well (show favor to everyone, whether rich or poor)." (9) "But if you have respect to persons, you commit sin and are convinced of the Law as transgressors." (KJV)
I feel this message is timely for today. We have all been guilty of thinking less of someone else, and more highly of ourselves. But, as followers of Christ, we should be walking in love, no matter who the person and what his or her circumstances may be. It's not easy at times, but we are all called to "love our neighbor as we love ourselves" (James 2:8). Let's face it we all make mistakes, have moods, and some days seem impossible to get through with our busy schedules. So, I leave you with one thought: "Are we being fair in the way we treat one another?




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