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Most Christian scholars refer to The Book of James in the Holy Bible as ‘A Letter to the Church.’ Why? Because James, a brother of Jesus, sent letters to Jewish believers throughout the Roman empire. And those letters included some of his best teachings.
In other words, the believers of that time respected him. In addition, they appreciated his advice and his wise decision-making skills.
Although the title of this episode is ‘A Letter to the Church,’ everyone will benefit from the wisdom of James.
Love your neighbor as yourself
Now, the focus of this post is James 2:1-9. So, let’s look at it in the New Internation Version. It reads as follows:
“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.”
Conclusion
As you can see, James was clear about how the church was to treat themselves and others. Thus, Christians should not be judgmental, angry, hateful, or discriminating towards anybody.
Henceforth, don’t give opportunity for others to judge Jesus based upon a negative interaction with you. Instead, when people leave your presence, they should have experienced nothing less than the love of God.
In closing, go ahead and use the player at the top of this blog post. Or subscribe and listen via your preferred podcast platform. Then join Lady V and me in our discussion – A Letter to the Church.
Scriptures Referenced in Episode Discussion
| James 2:1-9 | 1 John 4:7-8 |
| Colossians 3:14 | John 3:16 |
| Ephesians 4:7 |
Listen to We R S.H.E.Talks Podcast
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Bible Study Resources
- Holy Bible [NKJV, NLT, Amplified, TPT, MEV, ESV]
- Get the Bible App by YouVersion
- NLT Chronological Life Application Study Bible
Christ-Centered Grace Ministries
Check out the following grace-based teaching from a Christ-centered perspective:
- Dr. Creflo Dollar – creflodollarministries.org
- Pastor Gregory Dickow – gregorydickow.com
- Pastor Joseph Prince – josephprince.org
Helpful Information
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Let’s do our part:
- Wear a mask or cloth face covering
- Wait six feet or more apart
- Wash hands frequently
- Pray about getting vaccinated
We R S.H.E.Talks Podcast episodes you may enjoy
Let It Go and Receive God’s Best – S2E20
A Safe Place to Lay Your Heart – S2E18
Identity Crisis–Do You Know Who You Are? S2E10
Christianity Misunderstood–Understanding Grace – S1E9
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Check out these links
spreadinghopeeverywheretalks.com
Devotionals and Prayer by Lady V
Get Merch with Positive Messaging
Credits
Music by Joakim Karud
