If we are honest, it is easy to love people who think like us. But showing favoritism in the church often begins in subtle ways.
People who share our views.
People who understand our experiences.
People who see the world the same way we do.
But what happens when we encounter someone who doesn’t?
Someone who sees things differently politically.
Someone who interprets Scripture differently.
Someone whose life choices, beliefs, or perspectives challenge our own.
What James Says About Favoritism (James 2:1-4)
In moments like that, something in our hearts is revealed. And James speaks directly into that tension.
“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.” James 2:1
James then gives a picture that would have been very familiar in his day. Two people enter a gathering. One is clearly wealthy and well-dressed. The other is poor and dressed in worn clothing.
The wealthy person is welcomed with honor.
The poor person is told to stand off to the side.
And James asks a piercing question:
“Have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” James 2:4
In the early church, favoritism often showed up through wealth and social status.
What Favoritism Looks Like Today
But if we are honest, favoritism still shows up today. It just looks different.
Sometimes it appears in how comfortable we feel around people who think as we do, vote as we do, worship as we do, or come from the same circles we do.
We may not say it out loud, but it can quietly shape how we respond to people who see things differently.
Are we patient with them?
Do we listen?
Or do we quickly label them, dismiss them, or assume the worst about their hearts?
It is possible to defend truth and still forget to demonstrate love.
Lately, I have noticed something weighing on my heart. I spend time with believers from different circles, and I know they genuinely love the Lord. Yet I also hear strong criticism flowing in both directions. Some are convinced that anyone who thinks differently from them must not truly love God. Others are just as certain that those on the opposite side cannot possibly be following Christ. It breaks my heart. When I see this happening, I cannot help but wonder if we are allowing the enemy to divide the very body Christ prayed would be one.
And it makes me stop and examine my own heart. When someone sees the world differently from me, do I assume the worst about their faith? Or do I remember that they, too, are someone Jesus loves deeply?
Jesus gave a very clear marker for what should identify His followers.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35
Not by how loudly we argue.
Not by how strongly we defend our positions.
By our love.
The world is watching believers. Are we responding to one another in love?
Another passage sometimes comes up when people disagree with us. In Matthew 18:17, Jesus says that if someone refuses correction, we are to treat them “like a tax collector.” If you want to look more closely at what that means, you can read more here:
https://makinghimknown.tv/treat-them-like-unbelievers-and-tax-collectors/
But that raises an important question.
How did Jesus treat tax collectors?
He ate with them.
He spoke with them.
He invited them into a relationship.
One of His own disciples, Matthew, had been a tax collector. Jesus did not avoid him. He called him to follow.
Jesus never compromised truth, but He also never treated people with contempt. He met them with truth, humility, and mercy.
Perhaps this is exactly what James was warning about when he said we become “judges with evil thoughts” when we begin deciding who is worthy of our kindness and who is not.
Mercy Over Judgment (James 2:13)
James brings this whole conversation to a powerful conclusion.
Mercy triumphs over judgment. When we are merciful, He is merciful. James 2:13
We live in a world that is quick to judge and slow to listen. Division seems to be everywhere we turn. But the church was never meant to mirror the divisions of the world.
We were meant to reflect the mercy and love of Christ.
Holding firmly to the Truth (His Word) while still extending compassion.
Standing in conviction without losing humility.
Because at the end of the day, the mark of a follower of Jesus is not uniformity of opinion. It is the presence of Christlike love.
It is love.
And perhaps one of the clearest ways the world will see Christ in us is not when we agree with one another, but in how we treat one another when we don’t.
Faith that lives out God’s Word does not show favoritism. It shows mercy.
This week, don’t just read the Word. Do it!
Living Life on Purpose for His glory!
From the Just Do the Word Series
The Just Do the Word series walks through the book of James and other passages that challenge us to move beyond hearing Scripture to living it out. Each post focuses on how genuine faith is expressed through obedience, wisdom, and Christlike character.
Previous posts in the series:
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Just Do the Word: Is Your Faith Genuine
https://makinghimknown.tv/genuine-faith-james-1/ -
Just Do the Word: Being Doers, Not Just Hearers
https://makinghimknown.tv/james-1-22-meaning-be-doers-of-the-word/ -
Just Do the Word: Be Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak
https://makinghimknown.tv/james-1-19-20-quick-to-listen-slow-to-speak/ -
Just Do the Word: Asking for Wisdom and Trusting God
https://makinghimknown.tv/just-do-the-word-week-2-ask-god-for-wisdom/ -
Just Do the Word: Ask God for Wisdom
https://makinghimknown.tv/just-do-the-word-asking-for-wisdom/
Memorize Scripture: A 52-Week Journey
If you want to go deeper, we also offer a 52-week Memorize Scripture study designed to help you not just read God’s Word—but carry it with you daily.
Each week focuses on one key verse, guiding you to slow down, meditate, and let Scripture shape your heart and thinking over time.
Because the more we hide His Word in our hearts, the more it shows up in how we live.
👉 Get started for free: https://making-him-known.kit.com/d7e9370261