Re-Center Around God
James 2:8-13
8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11 For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.
12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
The royal law, as James calls it, is all about loving our neighbors as we love ourselves. With a singular focus on favoritism today, let's dig in.
Review
Do I love certain people more readily and others less so? Do I treat certain people better than others based on how they treat me? Do I fall into sinful attitudes of treating people differently based on age, skin color, or level of education? Do I look down (or up) on certain people because of the money they have, the job they hold, or the place they come from?
Repent if Necessary
Do you need to confess to God (who does not play favorites) that you fall into the trap of playing favorites. Repent if necessary and make a conscious choice to treat people the same… and that does not mean treating all people poorly; it means treating all people lovingly and with mercy.
Return (as necessary)
Return with a prayer of thanksgiving that God does not play favorites, as the Apostle Peter learned (see Acts 10). Then resolve to act as your Heavenly Father does, extending grace and favor to people equally. This will have you looking like the royal heir that you are rather than a royal you-know-what .
Sermon on the Mount Series
Matthew 5:3-16: Beatitudes
Watch the BibleProject's second visual commentary on the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew chapter 5 and learn the meaning of the Beatitudes in the Bible, like "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 119: Immersed in the Word of God
Psalm 119:89-96 12th letter: Lamed (ל)
- Your word, Lord, is eternal;
it stands firm in the heavens. - Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
you established the earth, and it endures. - Your laws endure to this day,
for all things serve you. - If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction. - I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have preserved my life. - Save me, for I am yours;
I have sought out your precepts. - The wicked are waiting to destroy me,
but I will ponder your statutes. - To all perfection I see a limit,
but your commands are boundless.
Read the verses of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Teaching or Command of God
2 Timothy 1:13-14
What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you— guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
The Promise
Luke 11:28
[Jesus] replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”
Pondering Point
Who first taught you the precepts of God? How are learning them now? To whom are you teaching them, how are you passing on the Word of God?
Journal Prompt:
People who taught me (past)
People I’ve taught (past)
People teaching me (present)
People I’m teaching (present)
