Being a People of Mercy

Being a People of Mercy

(1) My dear brothers and sisters,  how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? (2) For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting  dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in whois poor and dressed in dirty clothes. (3) If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, (4) doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? (5) Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t

 God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? (6) But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? (7) Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name  you bear? (8) Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  (9) But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. 

You are guilty of breaking the law. (10) For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws. (11) For the same God who said, “You must not commit adultery,” also said, “You must not murder.”  So if you murder someone but do not commit adultery, you have still broken the law. (12) So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. (13) There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.
James 2:1-13 – NLT

Why We Drift Toward Favoritism(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

How the Gospel Confronts Favoritism(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

What Favoritism Costs (James 2:10–13)(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

Six Practices That Train a Favoritism-Free Church

1. See People Through God’s Eyes(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

2. Humble Yourself(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

3. Practice the “Royal Law of Love”(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

4. Examine Your Motives(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

5. Be Intentional in Relationships(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

6. Serve Without Expecting Anything Back(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)

Small-Group / Family Discussion (5)

1. When have you personally felt unseen or “categorized”? How did that shape you?

2. Where can favoritism hide in a church like ours? Be specific but gracious.

3. Which of the six practices do you need most this week? What’s one concrete step?

4. Who is someone outside your comfort circle you can invite to sit with or serve?

5. Pray for our outreach—by name for volunteers, guests, and Gospel fruit.