Partiality

In the first couple of verses James talk about how people were showing favoritism to people depending on their outward look but we learnt in the previous chapter that for God the poor and the rich are the same. He told us that the poor should be proud that God is with them despite their lowly life and that the rich should be proud that God is with that despite their temporary possessions.

Notice how James said “Bad Judges” and didn’t eliminate the fact that we shouldn’t judge he is pointing out that such actions not only discriminate against the poor but also reveal evil thoughts and a departure from the principles of the Christian faith.

Believers should actively resist the temptation to show favoritism based on outward appearances and treat all individuals with fairness and love.

James 2:1-4

The value of a person is in his relationship with God and not what they possess. And so judging and showing favoritism based on social status is completely wrong.

Treat all individuals with equal respect and dignity, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

እግዚአብሄር አንድ ልጁን ሲሰጠን ካላዳላ እኛስ ለምን እናዳላለን?

The Paradox of God's Choosing

Here James emphasizes the contrast between the world's perspective on poverty and God's perspective. He explains that those who are poor in worldly terms can be rich in faith and enjoy the blessings and promises of God's kingdom. And also notes the irony that the rich, who are often idolized, can be the ones exploiting and mistreating the believers, leading to legal disputes and dishonoring God's name.

James 2:5-7

Here it’s worth noting that God chooses very peculiarly. He doesn’t see like we do so he chooses like we won’t.

All Sins are Equal

Everyone that sins fall short of the glory of God. It doesn’t matter how small or big you’ve sinned it will separate you from God. So all sins are equal to God. But depending on the worldly consequence of Sin, there is smaller and bigger sin. For example: Tho thinking lustful thoughts and adultery are the same to God, here on Earth one goes unnoticed and the other can be perceived.

And so understanding that God doesn’t see like we do (like the poor and rich) anything short of holiness is unholy. Doesn’t matter how short, you’ll be unholy.

James 2:8-13

Mercy triumphs over judgment.

But don’t forget…

Romans 5:20

No one can out-sin God’s grace!

Faith and Work

James asserts that genuine faith affects the believer’s behavior; faith that does not affect behavior is superficial and cannot save. If you really do believe in something your change of actions will show your belief. The reverse is also true; if you don’t believe enough then your actions won’t change much. That is why people change by the renewal of their mind.

James 2:14-17

If you believe → Live out your belief

Whatever you believe you will live out. So if you believe in God’s laws, you will live a life that keeps them. If you believe in the opposite, you will live your life breaking them. So for somethings the reason why you’re doing certain things wrong is because you believe the wrong things. So if you want to do the right and holy things then truly believe in the right and holy things.

Whatever you believe → You will live out

What is that wrong thing you believe that’s making you sin?

So this is the deal; The moment you believe something you change. That’s just how belief works. For example: If you’re in a dark room and you believe a scary creature is in there with you, then you naturally fear it and react. You didn’t have to think about it, you didn’t have to consciously order your body to fear and react, you just did! That’s how faith works. If you truly believe that lust is the same us murder in the face of God, you will not lust. And if you truly believe that taking care of Orphans is worshiping God then you will do it.

Belief will effortlessly produce work.

And so faith and work are inseparable. They have a cause and effect relationship. Where true faith is there will, without a doubt, be good works. So if believers inherit the kingdom of God, then those believers have done somethings in their lives to show their faith. So their faith is expressed through their way of life and actions; and so their faith is completed and perfected.

James 2:18-20

James 2:22

James 2:24

James 2:26

ማመኔ በስራዬ ነው የሚታየው