Have Mercy. James 2:1-13

The man (or woman) that understands how much mercy has been shown to him (or her) will not hesitate to show mercy to others. If you have a hard time being gracious, forgiving or merciful to others pray that God would open your eyes to how gracious he's been to you.

Favortism is one area where this lack of appreciation rears its head. It's nothing short of evil to treat a person better because of the way s/he is dressed. I wonder how attractive we were to God, all covered up in sin. I'm glad he didn't ignore us because we were filthy.

James 2:1-13
1My 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? 6But you have insulted 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?

8If 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.

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!

Questions
1. Havy you ever treated someone poorly because of how they looked?
2. How does that make you feel in light of how Jesus treated us?
3. What are some ways you show favortism?
4. Would you want God to be as merciful to you as you are to others?
5. What part of this passage will stick with you today?

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