James 1:12, New International Version

“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom”

In James 2:1–13, we’re confronted with a very real and uncomfortable issue—showing favoritism. James doesn’t mince words when he says, “My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.” He’s speaking to Christians, reminding us that our faith in Jesus should change how we see and treat other people. The example James gives is simple: two visitors come into a gathering—one well-dressed and wealthy, the other poor and shabby. How they're treated reveals the heart of the people in the room.

It’s easy to nod along and say we’d never do that, but favoritism can be more subtle than we realize. We might not usher someone to a better seat because of their clothes, but we might draw closer to people who seem like they have something to offer, while keeping our distance from those who don’t. We can unintentionally value the influential more than the overlooked. But James reminds us that God doesn’t see people that way. In fact, He often chooses the poor and lowly to be rich in faith and heirs of His kingdom.

This passage isn’t just about being polite—it’s about reflecting God’s heart. He is a God of mercy, justice, and grace. When we play favorites, we misrepresent who He is. James connects this to the royal law: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If we truly lived by that, there would be no room for partiality. Everyone—regardless of background, status, or appearance—would be treated with the same dignity we hope to receive ourselves.

James also reminds us that we’re all accountable to God’s law—the whole of it. And when we fail to love as we should, we become lawbreakers just like anyone else. That’s why the last few verses are so powerful: “Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” We’ve received mercy from God. That mercy should shape how we interact with others.

So today, let’s take this to heart. Are there people we’ve overlooked? Are there quiet ways favoritism has crept into our relationships or attitudes? The good news is that God’s Spirit can transform us. He can help us love more like Jesus, who never played favorites but saw each person with compassion and truth. Let’s be a people who live that out—because in God’s kingdom, mercy always wins.

(All scripture quotations in this article are from the New International Version)