Favoritism Forbidden, Guest Speaker Jacci Busch
James 2:1-13

‘Be quick to listen (hear what others say), slow to speak (don’t guess at what they are saying – continue to listen and clarify) and slow to become angry (emotional outbursts can cause regret and relational harm)…’  James 1:19.  Enough said :).  

That being said… we continue Sunday in our exploration of the Book of James by reflecting on favoritism or showing partiality.  James goes after our tendency to make judgments of one another based on external considerations, such as physical appearance, social status, or race.  Why?  Because God is impartial when it comes to these things and we are called to imitate Him.  

Listen to God speak to his people from Deuteronomy 10, “The Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who is not partial and takes no bribe.  He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner/foreigner, giving him food and clothing.”  And Leviticus 19:15, “You shall do no injustice in judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great.”

Ways in which we tend to show favoritism is through forms of discrimination, slander of another, or judgments of outward appearance.  We may not think we are partial or show favoritism of one person over another in these ways.  But if we think this James says we deceive ourselves.  

I’m reminded of the Beatitudes of Jesus in James’ words, “Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not shown mercy.”  This only affirms Jesus words from the Sermon on the Mount “Do not judge or you too will be judged.  For in the way you judge others, you too will be judged and with the measure you use , it will be measured to you.”  

For all of James strong ‘in your face’ teaching, he champions mercy… God’s mercy that flows through us to those around us.  

We welcome Pastor Jacci Busch to Crestview once again to bring our message this Sunday from James 2:1-13.  In October, our special offering for the month will be for the Nieburs.  We are planning to celebrate communion together once again on October 18th.  

The Lord bless you and keep you,
  Mark

Morgan’s notes from last Sunday’s message…