I am still in Illinois and we go to church at 11am so the children can enjoy time in Kid's Church. I may be sharing some messages from past notes that I can prepare ahead of time.
Over the past several months our Sunday School teacher has been teaching from the Book of James. He titled his lesson from James 2 “Discrimination and the Church.”
Starting at James 1:26 to James 2:9, the teacher noted that favoritism breaks the royal law to love others as ourselves. Showing favoritism is sin. James 2:9. James is preaching with an evangelist’s heart, not a pastor's heart. He tells us all that we must be careful not to judge by outward appearance.
When we judge others, we may be judges with evil motives. James 2:4. But we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. James 2:8.
Each person has a gift they bring to the whole body. Romans 12:3-8. We must learn to intentionally accept others. Cloak yourself with tender hearted mercy and make allowance for others’ faults. Colossians 3:10-15.
Often it takes extra effort to know others, like in small groups and times of fellowship.
Apostle Paul tells us “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10.
The church should be one body with no division, no distinction. We are to take care of the full body [of believers]. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. Love strengthens the church.
What the world needs now is love.... God says I am love. It is one of the best known characteristics of God. And remember that “Love” is an action. Romans 12:9-16.
James 2:1-9
1 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If 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,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: 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? 6 But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?
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.
Lord, it is not always a natural inclination, so please guide me to Love others in an active way.
