Whole: The Book of James

The People We Prefer

Church of the Commons · Clint Harrison · October 4, 2026

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Scripture

The Sin of Favoritism 2 My brothers and sisters, do not show favoritism as you hold on to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ. 2 For if someone comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and a poor person dressed in filthy clothes also comes in, 3 if you look with favor on the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Sit here in a good place,” and yet you say to the poor person, “Stand over there,” or “Sit here on the floor by my footstool,” 4 haven’t you made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Didn’t God choose the poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? 6 Yet you have dishonored the poor. Don’t the rich oppress you and drag you into court? 7 Don’t they blaspheme the good name that was invoked over you? 8 Indeed, if you fulfill the royal law prescribed in the Scripture, Love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing well. 9 If, however, you show favoritism, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the entire law, and yet stumbles at one point, is guilty of breaking it all. 11 For he who said, Do not commit adultery, also said, Do not murder. So if you do not commit adultery, but you murder, you are a lawbreaker. 12 Speak and act as those who are to be judged by the law of freedom. 13 For judgment is without mercy to the one who has not shown mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.James 2:1-13

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BIG IDEA No one earns the love God commands us to give.
BIG IDEA No one earns the love God commands us to give.
wise distinction vs favoritism wise distinction | favoritism Asks what the situation requires | Asks what the person can offer Considers character,…
wise distinction vs favoritism wise distinction | favoritism Asks what the situation requires | Asks what the person can offer Considers character, responsibility, trust, and safety | Considers wealth, appearance, influence, and similarity Changes what you entrust to someone | Changes how you treat someone Different responsibility; same dignity | Different treatment based on perceived worth
Favoritism isn't always about who you reject. Sometimes it's about who you never notice.
Favoritism isn't always about who you reject. Sometimes it's about who you never notice.
a question worth considering How do you treat people who can do nothing for you in return?
a question worth considering How do you treat people who can do nothing for you in return?

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