The Sin of Favoritism

For the week of October 19-25, 2025

FREE PREVIEW: James 2:1-13 - The Sin of Favoritism

This is a condensed preview of this week's full Bible study lesson, available exclusively to paid subscribers.

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Introduction

Few things reveal the condition of our hearts like how we treat people who are different from us—especially those who have less money, education, or social status than we do. James addresses one of the most persistent problems in human relationships: favoritism based on external appearances rather than internal character.

This passage confronts our natural tendency to show preference to those who can benefit us while overlooking or mistreating those who cannot. James shows that such favoritism is not just socially wrong—it's spiritually incompatible with genuine faith in Jesus Christ.

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I. FAVORITISM Contradicts Faith

My brothers, don't hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ of glory with partiality (James 2:1).

James begins with a clear command: favoritism and faith in Jesus cannot coexist. When we show partiality based on external factors like wealth or status, we contradict the very nature of the gospel and dishonor the Christ who welcomes all.

II. FAITH Sees People as God Sees

Listen, my beloved brothers. Didn't God choose those who are poor in this world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom which he promised to those who love him? (James 2:5).

God's perspective is radically different from the world's. While society often values people based on their possessions, God values people based on their faith. The poor are often rich in the things that matter most to God.

III. FULFILLMENT of the Law Through Love

If, however, you fulfill the royal law, according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you do well (James 2:8).

The solution to favoritism isn't complicated rules about how to treat different people—it's the simple but profound command to love our neighbors as ourselves. This royal law transforms how we see and treat every person we encounter.

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