“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.” James 2:1 KJV
There is so much attention paid to wealth and personality all over the world. We usually expect the wealthy to have all the great virtues but unfortunately it’s not so. In politics, business, and even in our churches a lot of attention is paid to the rich and less to the poor. While it is good to respect people, the word of God admonishes us to treat both the rich and poor equally because to do otherwise is to sin against God (James 2:9).
In the opening verse of the second chapter of James, it is stated that we should not allow public opinion to influence how we treat people as Christians. We are not expected to discriminate in any way. Rather in our churches, homes, social events, the same treatment ought to be meted out to everyone.
This is not easy particularly in our environment, where at various social places, people of authority, positions or wealth are usually accorded special rights while others particularly the less privileged are treated shabbily. We as Christians need to let the world learn from us by treating less privileged people with respect in every area where we operate. Such things should start from our churches to all areas where we have influence. We should let our love of Christ reflect in our behavior everywhere.
Then the world can see that our faith in Jesus make us obey the word of God as stated in 1 John 4:7 KJV “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God”.
Prayer: God your love does not discriminate; please fill me afresh with the power to so love everyone that comes my way in Jesus name.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero