Happy Monday everyone!
Yesterday we focused on the subject of favoritism out of James 2:1-13. Favoritism is judging one person’s worth above another. Here are some questions to consider this week as we work out what God is working in our lives.
- Without sharing any names, describe a time when you were the target of favoritism. How did it make you feel? How about a time you showed favoritism?
- Why does James stress the importance of our faith affecting the way we treat others? Read James 2:1 & 4 and then discuss it.
- One of the truths James points to that helps us win over favoritism is the fact that as followers of Jesus, we are accountable to God for our actions (James 2:12). How does this fact affect the way you “speak and act”? How should it affect us?
- James boldly declares in 2:13 that “Mercy triumphs over judgment!” A practice that has helped me to cultivate a merciful or loving pattern in my life is to remind myself of the incredible love and mercy God continually shows me. It is helpful to revisit Paul’s words to Titus, Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. 4 But—“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. (Titus 3:3-6, NLT). What are some additional ways to help us stay on track with loving our neighbor—practices that help protect us from falling into critical or condemning patterns? May “Mercy triumph over judgment!” in our lives and in the lives of people we see and speak to each day.
Have a great week!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Frank
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