Good morning! Last week we began our reading in James chapter two. Again, the first twelve verses of the chapter focuses on accepting others. We read on giving courtesy to all, and today the verses focus on compassion for all.

Bible Verse – James 2:5-11 NLT

“⁵ Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? ⁶ But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? ⁷ Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name^[c] you bear?”

Reflection

In these verses, James continued with the reason why preferential treatment is wrong. He asked the audience four questions that made the believers of the 12 tribes exam their hearts and actions, just as those same questions cause us to examine ourselves as well.

Each one of us who are believers belong to God. We do not belong to those who try to exploit or mislead us. We must remember that there is freedom in Christ and we are not enslaved to the whims of this world. Sisters and brothers, be mindful not insult the poor or favor the rich over them. God has called us to have compassion on all.

How has the Lord shown compassion for you?

How has the Lord prompted you to show compassion to all?

Prayer

Father God, we thank you for the opportunity to read your word and continue to mature by placing your Word in action in our everyday lives. Lord, thank you for the reminder of our responsibility to show compassion to the poor, least, and left out. Lord, there are many who are financially poor and/or are poor in spirit. Lord, we lift each reader, and our world up in prayer today asking that you provide for their needs. Lord, help them to feel relief from oppression, mental & emotional struggles, depression, and marginalization.

Lord, we pray for every student heading back to school today. Lord, put your hand upon them and give them clarity and wisdom as they attend their course/class(es). Lord, encamp your angels around them and keep them safe as they go to and from school and while they are at school. Lord, give strength and compassion to each parent or guardian who is sending their child off today. Lord, give them discernment and a heart to follow you as they lead their kids this year. Lord, may this be a good academic year for the children and their families. Lord, we pray for each teacher. Lord, give them discernment in their words and how to teach each child they come in contact with. Lord, let them care for each student in a way that glorifies you. Lord, care for each teacher who is navigating their own lives, their own children and family situations. Lord, help them to be able to balance their lives and work well.

Lord, be with each person going to work today. Lord, go before them and keep them safe. Lord, help us all to be a blessing to one another. Lord, we pray for work environments to improve. We pray for those seeking new employment and opportunities. Lord, help them with their resumes, interviews, and give them favor with the leaders that they will report to. Lord, remove favoritism that impacts the work environment and employee morale. Lord, but we ask that you continue to favor us as we live to bring you glory.

Lord, continue to heal those who are sick and/or recovering from surgery.

Lord, we praise and thank you for the woman who survived cancer surgery, chemo, and radiation. We thank you for removing the cancer and for healing her. Lord, we pray for each cancer patient and we ask that you do the same for them.

Lord, be with us as you give us discernment and wisdom to live out your word today. May You receive all the glory and praise. In Jesus name, amen.

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