The Guests We Notice First
Written for Bible Journey Plan. Our editorial standards.
My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
James 2:1 KJV
When people arrive, we often notice the ones who are easy to talk with. Familiar interests, comfortable manners, and useful connections draw our attention. Someone quieter can stand nearby for a long time without being included.
James rebukes favoritism in the assembly. He will not allow respect for wealth or status to decide how believers receive people. A husband and wife can help each other notice those who might otherwise be passed over.
Welcome the person who cannot advance your plans. Include the older member who takes longer to tell a story. Learn the name of the family that has just arrived. This does not require equal time with every person or the removal of wise boundaries. It asks us to examine why certain people receive our warmth so easily while others seem invisible. Christ is Lord of glory. Nobody needs an impressive social standing before our home and our conversation can offer them ordinary Christian kindness.
Keep the passage in context
James rebukes favoritism toward wealthy visitors in the Christian assembly. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is inconsistent with treating people as more or less worthy according to social standing.
Read further: James 2 in the King James Bible.