James. A 21-day reading plan by Doxa Deo.Sample

 James 2:1-7 (ESV)  My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, "You sit here in a good place," while you say to the poor man, "You stand over there," or, "Sit down at my feet,"have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?  But you have dishonored the poor man.  Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court?  Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?

James calls partiality a sin. If you really believe that you are a new creature in Christ, you will accept that Christ sees everyone in the same way and you will do likewise. James addresses classism head on in this scripture. The image of Christ is reflected in all people.

2 Cor. 5:16-17 (ESV) From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh.  Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer.  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 

Reflection:

Do you tend to show partiality towards certain people?