Faith Without Favoritism
Favoritism contradicts faith in Christ. (James 2:1-13, NIV)
God made each person unique. (Psalm 139:14, NIV) Mocking others is mocking their maker (God). (Proverbs 17:5, NIV; 2 Kings 2:23-24, NIV) We are called to love, not judge. (James 2:8, NIV)
How to live out your faith in a way that pleases God.
Why do we have such a hard time knowing how to respond to those who have hurt us?
- When we hurt, our first response is to hurt them back.
- Pride and justice. (Romans 12:19, NIV)
- When we forget the golden rule in the heat of the moment.
How do we overcome this?
- Pause before reacting.
- Remember grace.
- Choose love over retaliation.
Mercy triumphs over judgement. (James 2:13, NIV)
Justice says you deserve punishment for your sins. Mercy says Jesus took your punishment so you can receive grace.
Mercy is undeserved forgiveness and unearned kindness. (Lamentations 3:21-23, NKJV)