Good Times in Hard Places “Treating Each Other with Honour” James 2:1-13

Favoritism Definition: an inclination to favor some person or group discrimination: unfair treatment of a person or group on the basis of prejudice the showing of special favor : partialityfavorpartiality

Questions # 1. As a Christian is it acceptable to choose a date or spouse using the criteria of appearance? # 2. Can the Worship team and pastor wear shorts, sweats or blue jeans Sunday morning? # 3. Is it acceptable to have friends or is this showing favoritism?

4 Arguments against Favoritism # 1. God uses the poor to express faith. 1 “My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. 2Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. 3If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," 4have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? ” James 2:1-4

4 Arguments against Favoritism # 2. The Rich oppress the poor. “Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?” James 2:6-7

4 Arguments against Favoritism # 3. Favoritism violates “Loving your neighbor”. 8 “If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. 9But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.” James 2:8-11

4 Arguments against Favoritism # 4. Favoritism will be judged. “12Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” James 2:12-13

Process to favoritism Belief – an idea or opinion Criticism - The practice of analyzing, classifying, interpreting, or evaluating for expression. Prejudice – The act or state of holding unreasonable preconceived judgments or convictions. opinion, intolerance. Favoritism -the practice of giving preferential treatment to a person or persons.

Before Christ * There none righteous no not one. * There is no difference – race, position The Blood of Christ removes the basis for showing favoritism

Conclusion 1. Respect has no personal agenda favoritism has personal agenda. 2. Rules growing out of respect for the other person’s benefit are acceptable. 3. Limitations focused on others is for the common good. The key: Believers are to be different.

My Prayer Lord help me to see myself the way You see me – a redeemed sinner. Lord help me to see others the way you see them – individuals created by You. Lord let me have room for the diversity and the differences of others. In Jesus Name Amen