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James warns against showing favoritism in the church. To honor the wealthy while dishonoring the poor is to violate the royal law of love and become “judges with evil thoughts” (2:1–7). God often chooses the poor to be rich in faith, heirs of His kingdom, while the rich of this world are often those who oppress and blaspheme Christ’s name. To show partiality is sin and makes one guilty of breaking God’s whole law (2:8–11). Instead, believers must live and speak as those judged under the “law of liberty,” remembering that mercy triumphs over judgment (2:12–13; Lev. 19:18; Matt. 22:39).
Faith without works is dead (2:14–26). Mere words of blessing for the needy, without action, are useless. Even demons believe the truth about God, but they do not obey Him (2:19). True saving faith always produces works—like Abraham offering Isaac or Rahab protecting the spies. Their obedience demonstrated the reality of their faith. James is not teaching salvation by works, but that genuine faith is never alone; it is proven by what it does (Gen. 15:6; Heb. 11:17, 31).
🌀 Reflection: Do you ever rely on what you say you believe, without living it out? Where might God be calling you to put action behind your confession of faith today?
💬 Mission Challenge: Look for one specific way to live out mercy and love toward someone in need this week—showing that your faith is alive.
Just Keith Harris 
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