How Judgy Are You?

My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If 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,“ have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? James 2:2-4

He bore a weariness I noticed with skeptical eyes. As he continued to walk toward me, I nudged my husband and nodded to the approaching intruder. Should we let someone know so they could go out and intercept the man? Why was he here? Perhaps he was looking for a handout? Recent reports of thefts in cars while everyone was busy with the act of Worship on Sunday mornings filled my thoughts. My husband just shrugged and said maybe he was just late for church.

Why is it wrong to treat the poor differently than the rich? Has God not chosen the poor? Are we not all made in the image of God? How can I lack mercy for those less fortunate when God’s mercy is the only thing standing between me and hell? Treating the poor differently than the rich is hypocritical. It is a sin.

“Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: 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? But you have dishonored the poor.“ (vs. 5-6). Have you ever been guilty of shaming the poor as I had? James goes on to say this: “If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture “Love your neighbor as yourself,“ you are doing right.“ (vs.8) Wow, I had broken the Royal Law, too!

Guess what? Pastor Steve had invited this gentleman to church that Sunday morning. He was an invited guest with the same seat reservation I had. By divine providence, I was not on the welcoming committee that morning. The man was given a coffee and a good seat as he stood in worship of the same God as the rest of us. However, this man was far richer than I. As promised by the One who loved him, he left rich in faith and ready to inherit the kingdom of God. In that incident from many years ago, I received more mercy than I deserved as I confessed my sin and received forgiveness along with a lesson I will never forget.

Heavenly Father, thank you for a life-long lesson in seeing equality in all people. I always want to have eyes to see others as you do. I pray you would change my heart and mind in how I relate to others. I want to see beneath the surface to find the true beauty in all people. In Jesus‘ name. Amen.

Relevant Bible Verses

Matthew 6:19-21 – Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Proverbs 14:31 – Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

Reflect and Respond

Do you show favoritism toward the rich? Toward the poor? Is one way better than the other? Why or why not?

Matthew 6:19-21 talks about storing up treasures. What we treasure most in life controls us. Is there anything in your life you need to re-establish control over or get rid of? How will this make you richer, not poorer?

Pray for God to alter your heart in response to wanting to live the Royal Law. Ask Him to show you new ways to love others as yourself.

Related Resources

In my devotion, Spring Cleaning: 3 Steps to Declutter Your Heart, I share tips on clearing the emotional clutter we sometimes hoard.