Excusing Favoritism

Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?
- James 2:5-7

James shows his readers a contrast in today’s passage. God has shown favor to the poor but James’ readers have shown them dishonor.

James’ readers have been so thoroughly captured by the spirit of favoritism that they even show favoritism to their persecutors and the enemies of their faith. They are blinded by wealth. They can’t see past the surface.

James speaks up as a caring brother. “That relationship’s no good for you,” he says. “You know you need to break up.” But stepping away from favoritism, like stepping away from any unhealthy relationship, can prove difficult.

We can find a dozen different reasons to justify our favoritism. We can dress it up and give it a good mask. We can give assurances that this time won’t end up like last time. But in the end, just like an unhealthy relationship, favoritism will hurt us.

What excuses do you find yourself making for favoritism? What makes it difficult to let go of favoritism, even if it’s hurting us?

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