When Scripture Says, “Love Your Neighbor As Yourself”
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.
James 2: 8-9, NIV
Favoritism is something we can easily recognize in others yet often fail to notice in ourselves. The uncomfortable truth is that we, too, can fall into the trap of showing favoritism. We may act with diligence and care, but sometimes our motivation is more about pleasing those in authority or impressing the wealthy and influential rather than genuinely helping those in need.
People often bend their principles when someone rich or powerful is involved. They fear the consequences of displeasing such individuals more than they fear doing what is right in God’s eyes. Conversely, when they encounter someone who seems powerless or insignificant, they twist the rules to suit their own interests, without concern for the impact of their actions.
Sadly, we live in a world where people often fear the wealthy and powerful more than they fear God. They are more anxious about the influence of others than about God’s judgment.
But James reminds us not to show favoritism. Jesus commands us to love our neighbor, and His definition of “neighbor” extends far beyond those with wealth or authority. Our neighbors are the broken, the lost, the poor, and the helpless.
May we learn to fear God more than men. May we seek to please Him above all else. Let us honor God in everything we do, especially in how we treat those around us.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for reminding me to love my neighbor. Help me, Lord, to avoid favoritism, especially in how I treat others. Teach me to love everyone as You have loved them. Purify my heart so that I may honor You in all I do. Lead me to serve those in need, and give me the grace to do so with a pure heart. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
