The Sin of Favoritism
Today’s Bible Verses:
James 2:3-4 ESV
And if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
In these verses, Saint James confronts a common human failing: favoritism. We tend to gravitate toward successful, influential, or attractive people. But in God's eyes, such distinctions are meaningless. When we elevate one person above another based on worldly criteria, we create division within the body of Christ.
This behavior contradicts the Gospel's core message and reveals a more profound spiritual problem. Favoritism suggests that we are relying on our judgment rather than God's. We say, "I know better than God who deserves honor and respect." This attitude leads to "evil thoughts" – a heart far from God's will.
Lutherans believe that all people are equal in God's eyes. We are all sinners in need of grace, and we are all redeemed by the blood of Christ. Our worth does not come from our social status, wealth, or accomplishments. It comes from our relationship with God.
When we show favoritism, we deny this fundamental truth. We create a hierarchy that God does not recognize. We judge others based on external factors rather than their inner character.
Prayers
Remember:
All people dealing with cancer
Those who reject Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
A Prayer for Today:
Gracious God, forgive me for the times when I have shown favoritism. Help me to see all people as Your beloved children, created in your image. Give me a heart filled with love and compassion for everyone, regardless of their social status or outward appearance. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
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