James 2: 1-13 Don't Favor the Rich Over the Poor

My brothers and sisters, practice your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ by not favoring one person over another. For example, two men come to your worship service. One man is wearing gold rings and fine clothes; the other man, who is poor, is wearing shabby clothes. Suppose you give special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say to him, "Please have a seat." But you say to the poor man, "Stand over there," or "Sit on the floor at my feet." Aren't you discriminating against people and using a corrupt standard to make judgments? Listen my dear brothers and sisters! Didn't choose poor people in the world to become rich in faith and to receive the Kingdom that he promised to those who love him? Yet you show no respect to poor people. Don't rich people oppress you and drag you into court? Don't they curse the good name of Jesus, the name that was used to bless you? Are you doing right if you obey this law from the highest authority: "Love your neighbor as yourself." If you favor one person over another you are sinning and this law convicts you. If someone obeys all of God's laws except one he is guilty of breaking them all. Talk and act as people who are going to be judged by laws that bring freedom. No mercy will be shown to those who show no mercy to others.