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It may not be unfaithful to presume that James 2:1-13 seems to be written to the ‘lower middle class’. From how James writes, his audience is obviously not rich, but there are others described as obviously poor – those with whom James’ audience would like to avoid or even abuse. However, let’s turn this situation on its head for a moment. What if you are (or perceive yourself to be) the poor person in the gathering? What, then, are your feelings toward the “rich” person?

Our current culture here in America can harbor animosity toward “the rich.”  However, at the heart of this passage is the realization that attaching any such labels to others is antithetical to the gospel. God does not view man in terms of the items with which He has stewarded to them. God views men as either lost or found.

Allow me to hearken back to our recent study of the book The Compelling Community. How are you attempting to live within the gospel community? Does the gospel factor into how you interact with others? Truly, all that matters is our common bond in Christ. So where are you tempted to live (or not live) in community with others based on something other than the gospel? Operating according to any privilege or prejudice does not accord with the gospel.

This week take some time to confess to God where you have not been viewing others as He views them. Then seek out a face that perhaps you have been avoiding and marvel at the power of the gospel.