No Favoritism in the Kingdom

My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism.

Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, “Here is a seat of honor,” but say to the poor man, “You must stand” or “Sit at my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?
— James 2:1-5


James writes with boldness and clarity to the early church—and to us. He knows how easily human hearts are drawn to wealth, status, and outward appearance. And he calls it what it is: favoritism, a distortion of the gospel and a betrayal of God’s character. To favor the rich and dismiss the poor is to misunderstand the very nature of God’s kingdom. The kingdom Jesus proclaimed lifts the lowly, honors the humble, and offers inheritance to the poor in spirit. God has chosen the poor—those the world often rejects—to be rich in faith and heirs of eternal promise.

James’s example is practical and pointed: in the gathering of believers, how we treat people reveals what we truly believe about God. If we give special treatment to the well-dressed and push the poor to the margins, we deny the gospel we claim to hold. This passage calls us to examine our attitudes, our welcome, and our witness. In what subtle or unspoken ways might favoritism show up in your heart, your church, or your community? How does God’s choice of the poor as “rich in faith” shape your view of what it means to be blessed? What practical steps can you take to ensure you are creating a space of honor and belonging for all?

True Christian community is not built on power or appearances but on shared faith in Jesus. It is a place where everyone belongs, not because of what they have, but because of who Christ is. When we honor the poor and treat all people with dignity, we reflect the impartial love of God. As you reflect on this passage, consider how your words, your hospitality, and your priorities might be reshaped by God’s vision of a kingdom without favoritism.


Loving God,

You do not show favoritism, and You welcome all who love You, regardless of status or wealth. Forgive me for the times I have judged by appearance or given more weight to worldly influence. Teach me to see others as You see them—beloved, valuable, and rich in faith. May my life, my words, and my community reflect the impartial love of Jesus.

I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

-

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