James 2:1-13
Today's Passage: James 2:1-13
The book of James is all about living out our faith in a practical way. Our section of Scripture focuses in on how we are to live out one of the Great Commandments: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (James 2:8)
What we must remind ourselves is that the way we love people is simply a reflection of our love and worship of God. Read the book of 1 John and you will see continual reminders of this relationship.
In verses 1-7, James gives us negative examples of love—what Christ-like love does NOT look like. Christ-like love does not show partiality based on external, worldly standards. He is calling out the hypocrisy of seeking to honor those who are rich more than those who are poor, comparing this line of thinking with Jesus’s teaching on where our true treasure should lie:
Paul also writes about this in 1 Corinthians in the context of the Lord’s Supper and the way relationships should function in the local church:
Instead of judging with partiality, we are to live in light of the “law of liberty” (aka the gospel that has freed us from our sin) and love God’s people in a way this is free from any and all prejudice or selfishness whatsoever.
Verse 13 sets up the discussion of faith and works that comes in verses 14-26. Knowing this, we can imply that what James is saying is that true faith leads to showing loving mercy to all people regardless of what you can get in return.
Written By: Graham Withers
The book of James is all about living out our faith in a practical way. Our section of Scripture focuses in on how we are to live out one of the Great Commandments: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (James 2:8)
What we must remind ourselves is that the way we love people is simply a reflection of our love and worship of God. Read the book of 1 John and you will see continual reminders of this relationship.
In verses 1-7, James gives us negative examples of love—what Christ-like love does NOT look like. Christ-like love does not show partiality based on external, worldly standards. He is calling out the hypocrisy of seeking to honor those who are rich more than those who are poor, comparing this line of thinking with Jesus’s teaching on where our true treasure should lie:
20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:20-21
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3
Paul also writes about this in 1 Corinthians in the context of the Lord’s Supper and the way relationships should function in the local church:
22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not. 1 Corinthians 11:22
Instead of judging with partiality, we are to live in light of the “law of liberty” (aka the gospel that has freed us from our sin) and love God’s people in a way this is free from any and all prejudice or selfishness whatsoever.
Verse 13 sets up the discussion of faith and works that comes in verses 14-26. Knowing this, we can imply that what James is saying is that true faith leads to showing loving mercy to all people regardless of what you can get in return.
Written By: Graham Withers
1 Comment
Thank you for this beautiful call to love people like Jesus! In fact, to let the Gospel (God's matchless grace freely offered to all) be our guide in relating to others.