Poor in the World, Rich in Faith

Observe. James asks his readers to listen, and then asks a question. 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 to those who love him? Yet the church has dishonored the poor. James points out that it is the rich who exploit them, drag them into court, and blaspheme the name they bear. He then cites the royal law from Leviticus, love your neighbor as yourself, and says that favoritism breaks it and convicts them as lawbreakers.

Interpret. The argument runs on two tracks. First, the church's favoritism is out of step with God's own choices. He has honored the poor with faith and an inheritance. To dishonor them is to disagree with God about who matters. Second, the favoritism is not even practical. The rich they are flattering are, in many cases, the very people oppressing them. They are courting their opponents and snubbing their brothers.

Apply. Who in your congregation does God honor that you have overlooked? In what ways do you find yourself impressed by wealth or status in ways that shape how you treat people? And what would loving your neighbor as yourself look like toward the person you are least inclined to notice?