Who Do You Notice First? The Shocking Truth About Favoritism in Church | James 2:5-9

Two people walk into church. One is a polished executive, exuding confidence and commanding attention. The other is someone worn out by life, with tattered clothes and weary eyes. Who catches your attention first? The confident one, or the struggler barely holding it together? How we respond to these two reveals what we truly believe about God and His church.

Welcome to the Daily Devo. Our text today is from James 2:5-9.

Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called? If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. — James 2:5-9

James reminds us that God’s kingdom flips our understanding of value upside down—or perhaps, sets it right side up. What the world prizes often holds little worth in God’s eyes. In fact, worldly values can blind us to true spiritual worth. God doesn’t measure value by appearances, achievements, or accolades but by His love, His law, His promises, and the honor of His name. True value, then, isn’t something we decide—it’s defined by God.

James highlights that those who lack material wealth are often more aware of their spiritual poverty than those who rely on their own resources. Why? Because the poor depend on God, not on what they can offer themselves.

This means that the world’s values—money, status, power—don’t carry the same weight in God’s community. Instead, James gives us the royal law: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Favoritism fails, but love fulfills the royal law.

If favoritism has taken root in your heart, now is the time to bring it before God.

Just yesterday, I caught myself slipping into a judgmental spirit. My thoughts were swirling about people, situations, and moments from the day. Then, I read these verses and was convicted. While James applies this to favoritism in the church, the root issue is the same: a judgmental heart. I had to speak God’s truth to my thoughts, repent, and confess my sin to Him. Even though no one else knew, I turned my heart back to the royal law of love.

Like me, I invite you to turn from favoritism and judgment. Begin by asking God to forgive you for evaluating people through the lens of worldly standards. Then, pray for His help to see others through His eyes.

What step can you take this week to love someone the world has overlooked? Together, let’s value what matters to God and show others the God who values them.

#RoyalLaw, #NoFavoritism, #GodsKingdom

Ask This:
How have you judged others based on worldly standards instead of God’s values?
Who in your life have you overlooked or undervalued?
How can you better live out the royal law of loving your neighbor this week?
What steps will you take to see others through God’s eyes and not your own?
Do This:
Repent of favoritism and judgmentalism.

Pray This:
Lord, forgive me for judging others by worldly standards and playing favorites. Help me to love all people as You do and reflect Your grace.
Amen.
Play This:
Holy Spirit.