Good morning! It’s the first Friday in August. Today, we will begin our reading in James chapter two. This chapter is powerful and James does not let up on informing the believers of the 12 tribes to do. The entire chapter is framed around three words “Serve with Compassion”. Enjoy today’s reading and your weekend.

Bible Verse – James 2:1-4 NLT

“My dear brothers and sisters,^[a] how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?

² For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting^[b] dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. ³ If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, ⁴ doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?”

Reflection

James continued to push the believers toward spiritual maturity by directing them to accept individuals without prejudice and to help individuals without presumption. He wanted to ensure that believers removed their acts of favoritism and inconsistencies toward others.

As believers grow in faith, it is our faith in Christ that sets us apart. As we take on the character of Christ some of the characteristics of transformation is that we show courtesy, compassion, and consistency to anyone we meet or encounter.

As fellow believers, it is beneficial for us to remember that God does not show favoritism:

• Romans 2:9-11 “⁹ There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile.^[a] 10 But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. ¹¹ For God does not show favoritism.”
• Ephesians 6:7-9 “⁷ Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. ⁸ Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.
  ⁹ Masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Don’t threaten them; remember, you both have the same Master in heaven, and he has no favorites.”
• Colossians 3:23-25 “²³ Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.²⁴ Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.^[e] 25 But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites.”

Nor should we as believers. Nor should we.

Question:

Have you created environments or supported systems of inferiority?

Have you been treated poorly or special because of systems or practices that James mentioned?

Well, sisters and brothers, today is the day where we have been reminded that God has a different way and outlook toward believers and non-believers, the rich and the poor, ethnic groups, race, and social status than the world does.

Let us refrain from assuming the role of judge – with evil thoughts of partiality toward others. Our main focus as we mature is on how we should and can show courtesy to all through equity, love, and being committed to the Word of God.

Will you make this your focus today and throughout the weekend? Will you continue to make it a lifestyle from this point in your life until God calls you home?

Prayer

Father God, thank you for the reminder that you do not show favoritism. Lord, it is a beautiful reminder that the Kingdom of God is created for everyone and that there is no division in the Kingdom of God or His children. Lord, you are the ultimate judge, so we ask for your forgiveness and mercy on us for the times when we’ve judged and/or treated others the opposite way that you would want us to. Lord, we are sorry for the presumptions that we have made. Lord, continue to work in our hearts and minds to transform our thinking, our poor judgment, and discriminatory behaviors.

Lord, we want to love like you love. We want to be a reflection of you in this world. Lord, as we ask and pray for change in this world, let it start with us. Let it start with me.

Father God, we thank you for answering our prayers and for the amazing praise reports we have received. Father, we ask that you continue to heal those recovering from surgery. Lord, we pray specifically for the three women who are still recovering in the hospital, rehabilitation center, and at home. Lord, give them the care that they need to fully recover. Lord, improve lab test, nutrition, blood flow, and mobility. Lord, wherever they need healing in their bodies, touch them and make them whole. Father God, be with the man who was diagnosed with stage four cancer. Lord, work in his body and relieve him of the pain that he feels. Lord, you are the miracle worker and you can heal anyone. Lord, today we step out on faith and ask you again to heal him and put the cancer in remission. Lord, we pray for his family and ask that you give them strength, discernment and wisdom through this process.

Lord, we pray over each parent who is preparing to send their kids off to school and college. Lord, give them peace as they navigate a new school year, a new routine, and a new beginning for their families. Lord, be with those who are going off to college and keep them safe. Lord, as you prepare each classroom, prepare the hearts of the teachers. Lord, equip them with love, compassion, wisdom, discernment, discipline, and patience to teach the students and guide them in the right direction this year. Lord, cover each student as they leave and return home.

Lord, bless those with financial need, and provide for them. Lord, may each bill be paid, every meal be filled with nutrition and plenty, and each car filled with gas to get to and from work or wherever they need to go. Lord, give spiritual renewal to those who are running low or are lacking. Lord, give mental clarity and renewed peace to those struggling to make decisions, those suffering from anxiety or depression, and those in need of a mental break through.

Lord, thank you! In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

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