The Sin of Favoritism: A Lesson from James 2

This morning in our Friday Men’s Bible Study, we dug into James 2 and what it teaches about the sin of favoritism. At first glance, showing favoritism—treating some people better than others based on wealth, appearance, or status—might seem small. But James doesn’t see it that way. He calls it sin.

Why? Because favoritism goes against the very heart of the gospel.

What James 2 Teaches Us

James 2:1–13 paints a clear picture: if someone walks into the church dressed in fine clothes and gold rings, and another enters in shabby clothes, and we treat them differently, we dishonor the poor and elevate the rich. This isn’t just bad manners—it’s a denial of the truth that all are equal in Christ.

Jesus welcomed the poor, the broken, and the outsider. He didn’t play favorites. And if we claim to follow Him, we’re called to see people through His eyes—not through the world’s standards of success or status.

How to Guard Against Favoritism

So how can we guard against this subtle but dangerous sin?

1. Keep the cross in view. Jesus died for all, not just a select few. When we remember this, it reshapes how we see others.

2. Examine our hearts. Ask yourself: Do I give attention, honor, or respect to certain people while ignoring others?

3. Practice the royal law. James reminds us of the “royal law” found in Scripture: Love your neighbor as yourself.

Living Without Favoritism

Favoritism diminishes the value God has placed on every person. But when we choose love, we reflect Christ’s heart and reveal the gospel in action.

Let’s be a people who see others the way Jesus sees us—with equal dignity, worth, and love.

👉 Where do you see favoritism creeping into our culture today, and how can we as believers respond differently?