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The sin of partiality

Scripture reading for October 6th: Jeremiah 22, 23, 26, Psalm 77, James 2

James 2: 8-13 “If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. For He Who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not commit murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

In the culture of this world, persons with wealth and position are shown favor and often given preferential treatment in hopes of gaining their favor. James warns the believers not to treat people with partiality, but to show equal love for each person as you would want for yourself. James called this the ‘royal law’ as it was part of Jesus’ summary of the commandments in loving God and loving your neighbor. Believers are to show mercy towards each person and avoid judging them. We realize that we need mercy ourselves and have been shown mercy by God. We must not choose which laws to obey either. Failure to obey even one makes us transgressors and liable for all.

Psalm 77:11-13 “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes I will remember Your wonders of old. I will ponder all Your work, and meditate on Your might deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God?”

Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your amazing Word that reveals truth in every word and paragraph. Help me as a preacher of Your Word to speak the whole of it faithfully and without partiality towards those who hear. Let Your Word be a fire in the hearts of those who hear and a hammer to shatter the rocky hearts and shallow soil of those in need Your mercy. Help me to live out Your Word in truth.

Jeremiah 23:28-29 “Let the prophet who has a dream tell the dream, but let him who has My Word speak My Word faithfully. What has straw in common with wheat? declares the Lord. Is not My Word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?”