Faith, Works, Mercy: A Call To Live Beyond Partiality

Today’s study is on James Chapter 2.

What are we being called to do in this chapter? Verses 1-2

The chapter starts off talking about how as the Body of Christ often has an issue with partiality which is not reflective of the Kingdom of God. The word paints a picture of the difference in treatment between those who are rich and poor. As believers some of us treat the rich as if they have more value than those who are poor. 

From a spiritual perspective how should the rich and poor be perceived? Verses 5-7 

The chapter goes further in removing the spiritual veil from our eyes. Because we live in a physical realm we forget to discern in the spirit. This causes us to miss the things of God. The word teaches us that 

• The poor of the world are rich in faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (James 2:5) (Hebrew 11:1)

• The poor are the chosen heir of the kingdom of God promised to those who love Him. (James 2:5) (Mathew 5:3) (Luke 6:20) 

• The rich oppress us (James 2:6) (Revelation 3:17)

• The rich charge and accuse us.  (James 2:6) (Revelation 3:17)

• The rich blaspheme Jesus. The one who gave us the key to eternal life. (James 2:7) (Mathew 27:39-40)

• Jesus says only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:23-24) (Mark 10:23-25) (Luke 18:24-25)

What are we considered when we treat others with partiality? Verse 8-11

The chapter then begins to teach us about the weight of sin. We learn that treating others with partiality is just as weighty of a sin as murdering someone, committing adultery. The book calls for us to remember the “royal law” to love one another as we love ourselves. We are labeled as transgressors of the law when we do this. Although we are not justified by the law; righteousness and holiness are still right. The word says to seek the kingdom of God and ALL his righteousness, and all things will be added unto us. A lot of times in our Christian Walk it makes us feel better when we don’t do things like lie, steal, kill, cheat. But when we forsake the most important law which is how we treat people none of those other things that we don't commit matter. We have to become a people who have a heart after God’s People. 

What is a different perspective that we can learn about the heavily used scripture: Faith without works is dead? Verses 12-26

When we read verses 12 through 18, we learn that we have a responsibility to do more for the poor than just wish them peace. I will be honest. When I first read through these passages of scripture it made me laugh because I thought about how many times while driving where I would silently lift up a prayer to them or wish God’s mercy to them without doing any work to extend mercy for them myself. Verses 16-17 basically says what does wishing them warmness and filled bellies profit them when we are not extending them any mercy that would produce faith in ourselves and in them. We often use the scripture faith without works is dead when we are wishing for God to come through in our lives and we match actionable steps to align with opportunities that we are seeking out for in God.

I like to pose the thought that this scripture is a call to show mercy and compassion to the people of God. Works are actions completed as an expression of our faith in God. Mercy represents what we are willing to sacrifice based on the compassion that we have for the things of God and the people of God. Faith without works is less about the work that we do for ourselves to produce results in our lives and more about the expression of God’s mercy that produces more faith in ourselves and the people that God is trying to reach. Verses 12 through 18 represent sacrifice, works, mercy and faith. 

Verses 19-26 provide evidence of this principle through Abraham's obedience. God asked Abraham to sacrifice his firstborn son, a command that seemed to contradict God's law. Abraham’s willingness to obey demonstrated his faith in God’s promise to make him a father of nations. His work—taking Isaac up the mountain with a heart and mind ready to obey—was a tangible expression of his faith.

At the end of James Chapter 2, it compares faith without works to a body without the spirit—both are dead. Our works aren’t just about praying for a fulfilling job or seeking higher pay; they involve sacrifices. For example, it might mean quitting a high-paying job if it forces you to compromise your values. The works have to be a means of sacrifice. (I AM NOT SAYING QUIT YOUR JOB LOL) however, I am saying that works require sacrifice, as seen with Rahab, who wasn’t even a follower of Christ but risked her safety to protect the messengers. Because of her sacrifice, God extended mercy to her.

You will find that when you take care of God’s people, he will take care of you. When you give your last $5 to a poor man and that was all you had you will find that God will extend just as much mercy to you as you showed mercy to the poor man. 

Practical Tools

Mindfulness of Partiality:

• Regularly reflect on your treatment of others, especially those who may be less fortunate. Ask yourself, “Am I showing impartial love to everyone, regardless of their status?”

• Use a journal to track situations where you may have made judgments based on appearances or status. Revisit these moments with a mindset of growth and change.

Mercy Over Judgment:

• Make it a daily practice to show mercy, whether it's through small acts like paying for someone’s coffee or larger acts like volunteering your time.

• Actively listen to others, especially those in need, and seek to understand their circumstances without judgment. This builds empathy and aligns with showing mercy as you described.

Faith in Action:

• Whenever you pray for something, write down the practical steps you'll take to align with that prayer. This could be career goals, personal growth, or helping others.

• Consider any actions that would require a personal sacrifice for God’s kingdom, like prioritizing integrity over profit or standing up for others.

Sacrificial Works:

• Be intentional about making choices that require a sacrifice. Whether that means choosing a lower-paying job to maintain your moral integrity or giving away money when you feel you have little to spare.

• Start small with sacrificial acts, gradually pushing yourself to extend mercy and faith in tangible ways.

Prayers

1. Prayer Against Partiality: “Lord, help me to see every person through Your eyes. Remove any bias or partiality from my heart. Teach me to treat all people with equal love and respect, remembering that You value the poor in spirit and the brokenhearted. May my actions reflect Your heart for all people.”

2. Prayer for Mercy and Compassion: “Father, help me to be a vessel of Your mercy. Let my compassion for others be evident in my actions. Show me how to extend kindness and love, even when it requires sacrifice. May my faith grow stronger as I act in mercy and show Your love to those around me.”

3. Prayer for Faith Without Works: “God, I thank You for the gift of faith. I pray that You help me to demonstrate my faith through my works, not just in words but in action. Help me to align my actions with Your will, to be a living example of the faith that works through love. Teach me to sacrifice when necessary to see Your kingdom move forward.”

Affirmations

1. “I am called to love without partiality, treating all people with equal value and respect, no matter their status.”

2. “My faith is alive and works through acts of mercy and compassion, demonstrating the love of God in tangible ways.”

3. “I trust that when I sacrifice for God's kingdom, He will show mercy and grace to me in return.”

4. “My works are an expression of my faith in God. I will act in ways that honor Him, even when it requires personal sacrifice.”

5. “I choose to be a reflection of God’s love and mercy to the world, not just in words, but in action.”