All because of God’s grace
Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear? James 2:5b-7 NLT
If we truly believe that salvation is by God’s grace alone and by faith alone (see Ephesians 2:8-9), then we will relate to all people on the basis of His plan and not based on merit and social status. This is why James admonished believers to move away practicing favoritism and to highlight the grace of God. During the times of James, Christians were deprived of speaking about their faith and were threatened with reprisal. The ones who are doing this persecution are those who are rich. Not only that they were oppressing Christians, they were also cursing the Name of Christ. Yet, one reason why this is happening is because Christians have overlooked the practices the rich are doing to the poor. It was because of favoritism towards the rich that led to this persecution. The elite of the society were certain that Christians are not good people. We are also in a time where Christians are oppressed because of their faith. It is unacceptable to deride any group of people except Christians. People can speak up against Christians and they will not be accused with hate but when Christians talk about their faith in God and belief in His word they will be charged with hateful speech. Because of favoritism, certain segments of society should be protected but Christians will not be in the list. This is why James is warning Christians not to engage in favoritism because doing so will result to so much trouble. The Lord Jesus Christ came to the world to provide salvation to all sinners. This is regardless of the social status of every individual person. All that mattered to Christ is that they will respond to the offer of His grace by trusting Him, believing that He alone can save sinners. It was not in the spirit of favoritism that God’s mission will be fulfilled. One day, when all those that came to know Him as Lord and Savior will be gathered in His presence, all types of people will be singing before His throne of grace, “‘And they sang a new song with these words: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation’” (Revelation 5:9).
Blessings,
