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40 DAYS OF LENT: DAY #13
WORD OF TODAY: James 2:8-9 (ESV)
8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
THOUGHTS ON THE WORD:
We all know the command to love our neighbors as ourselves, Saint James calls it the royal law. However, the full consistency of this royal law can be quite the challenge. This is because we all have a tendency to pick favorites, or choose sides. But Saint James says that if we show partiality, we are committing sin.
So how might we show partiality? In short, we show partiality when we make improper judgments. We tend to think that everyone else thinks as we do. We tend to believe that what matters most to us in expression or action also in the same way matters to others. But we do not know what might be in another’s heart, what weight they bear or circumstances in which they find themselves. We may choose to show one grace and mercy, while another we show disdain and rebuke. Of course, these all have their appropriate places, but how tempted we might be to show disdain when grace is needed, or grace when rebuke is necessary.
Do we take the one who sits distant to be selfish? Do we take the one who is magnetic to be at peace? How might partiality be justified in our minds? Consider today the ones you encounter, ask God to help you see a glimpse into their day, their lives, and their moments. Consider today how economics, outward appearances, mannerisms, education, wealth, disfunction, cruelty, etc. influence your love for others and showing partiality. Consider alms-giving today in areas that partiality might have kept you from doing so in the past. Commit a fast today against improper judgments.