S – Scripture
James 2:8–9 (NIV)
“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right.
But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.”
O – Observation
James is writing to a church that’s been showing favoritism—welcoming the rich while neglecting the poor. He reminds them of the “royal law” from Leviticus 19:18: Love your neighbor as yourself. Just before that, Leviticus 19:15 commands: “Do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich.”
James is calling the church back to God’s heart—revealed throughout Scripture. Deuteronomy 10:17 says, “The Lord your God… shows no partiality and accepts no bribes.” The context? God loves the foreigner, defends the orphan and widow, and commands His people to do the same.
Paul echoes this in Romans 2:11: “God does not show favoritism.”
What James says about rich and poor, Paul says about Jew and Gentile.
In every age, in every situation—God loves and judges without favoritism. So should we.
A – Application
Let’s be honest:
Do I treat people differently based on looks, confidence, wealth, or usefulness?
Am I drawn to those who affirm me—or avoid those who drain me?
Do I love only when there’s something in it for me?
We live in a world full of quiet favoritism.
But love isn’t tested with those who impress us—it’s tested with those who don’t.
The “poor” may be financially lacking—or simply less capable, less connected, or harder to engage.
But God loves them—and so should we.
Real love chooses the overlooked, listens without benefit, and serves when no one’s watching.
That’s how God loves us. And that’s the kind of love He calls us to live.
P – Prayer
Father, thank You for loving all people without favoritism.
Thank You for loving me—not because I’m useful to You, but because You are love.
Forgive my hidden favoritism.
Teach me to love as You love—freely, humbly, and without conditions.
Help me welcome those who are often overlooked. Amen.
