Part 4 - The Book of James - Faith That’s Real: No Favourites, All In

 

James doesn't mince words. In James 2, he challenges us to look at our lives and ask: Is my faith genuine? Does it show up in how I treat others? Does it drive me to action, not just belief? 

1. Genuine Faith (James 2:1–13) 

James opens with a call to authentic Christian living — where belief in Christ is shown through love, mercy, and equality. 

“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favouritism.” (v.1)

This isn’t a suggestion — it’s a command. James is speaking directly to believers, those who say they follow Jesus. If Jesus is truly our Lord, then we can’t also be lorded by bias, status, or shallow preferences. 

Why? 

Because Jesus never showed favouritism. He touched lepers, dined with outcasts, defended the shamed, and washed feet — including Judas’. 

 Favouritism is not just poor manners — it’s a theological failure. If Christ is truly our Lord, then we must reflect His heart, which is for the poor, the outcast, the invisible. James exposes the sin of judging others by outward appearances — gold rings, fine clothes, status — instead of seeing them as souls made in the image of God. 

When we honour the rich and dishonour the poor, James says: 

• We’ve become judges with evil thoughts (v.4) - Ouch. James says when we show favouritism, we step into the Judge’s seat — a seat that only belongs to God. Not only are we judging, but we’re also judging with evil thoughts. In other words, our bias has selfish roots — admiration for status, hopes of gain, desire to impress. Favouritism is often quiet, but James calls it loud and clear: evil.

• We’ve ignored the kingdom values of God (v.5) - Here, James flips the world’s value system upside down. The poor may have nothing materially, but they often have a deeper dependence on God — and that’s a richness that can’t be bought. God doesn’t see poverty as a liability. He often chooses the lowly to show His glory. Remember Mary, the mother of Jesus? She called herself “lowly” and said God had lifted her up (Luke 1:48). God’s kingdom doesn’t run on earthly currency — it runs on faith and love.

• We’ve aligned with those who exploit us (v.6) - James exposes the irony: they were honouring the very people who were hurting them. This reveals how deeply we sometimes crave acceptance by the powerful — even when it costs us. We chase approval from those who wouldn’t think twice about discarding us.

• We’ve dishonoured Jesus’ name (v.7) - This is the final blow. James says the rich who mock God are the ones we’re trying to impress. When we show favouritism, we dishonour Jesus, the One who gave us His name — and that name is noble.

 Favouritism is:

• Sinful — It goes against God’s nature and the Biblical definition of love.
• Hypocritical — It treats the wealthy with honour and the poor with contempt.
• Rooted in selfish motives — We often favour the rich hoping to benefit from them.
• Dangerous — It ignores character and values appearance, leading us away from Christlike love. 

God looks at the heart. And as followers of Jesus — who humbled Himself and identified with the poor and lowly — we’re called to do the same. Let’s not judge by wealth, looks, or status. Let’s honour each person as a beloved creation of God

Kingdom truth: In God’s eyes, value is not measured by wealth, but by worship. 

2. Faith Without Action is Dead (James 2:14–25) 

This section hits even deeper: faith without works is dead. 

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?” (v.14) 

James hits us with this hard truth: Talk is cheap. It’s easy to say “I have faith” — but real faith will always show up in how we live.

• Faith is not just agreement with Christian teachings — it’s transformation.
• Faith without deeds is useless — if it doesn’t lead to obedience, love, and service, it’s not alive.
• Faith and works are not enemies — they’re best friends. Paul teaches that we are justified by faith, and James shows that faith is verified by deeds.

James is not saying we earn salvation by works. Rather, he’s saying works are the natural fruit of saving faith. Just like a body without breath is dead, faith without action is lifeless. 

•  Verses 15–17: If we say, “God bless you!” to someone in need but do nothing to help, our faith is exposed as empty sentiment. 
•  Verses 18–20: Saying “I have faith” isn’t enough. Even demons believe in God — but they tremble. Belief without surrender and obedience is not saving faith. 
•  Verses 21–24: James uses Abraham as an example — his faith was demonstrated by action. He believed God, yes, but he also obeyed God. 
•  Verse 25: Even Rahab, a Gentile prostitute, is held up as an example of living faith. Her actions to protect the spies showed her faith in God. 

Faith that saves is faith that moves. 

Devotional Message: Faith That Works 

 James is calling us to a faith that is visible, active, and unapologetically inclusive. He challenges us to look inward: 

•  Do we truly live like Jesus is Lord? 
•  Do our actions align with our beliefs? 
•  Do we welcome the people Jesus welcomed? 
•  Does our faith move us toward justice, mercy, compassion? 

 A church full of favouritism is not walking in Christ’s footsteps. A believer who says all the right words but helps no one is living in spiritual denial. Real faith shows up. 

 Reflection Questions for the King’s Daughters 

1. Where am I tempted to show favouritism — in church, work, friendships, or even my family? 
2.  Have I ever ignored someone’s need because they made me uncomfortable or didn’t “fit in”
3. Who do I naturally gravitate toward, and who do I overlook?
4. Am I more concerned about how someone looks or what they need?
5. Have I ever missed a divine appointment because someone didn’t look like someone worth my time?
6.  What “good deeds” could I be doing right now that I’ve delayed or dismissed? 
7.  Am I more concerned with looking faithful or living faithfully? 
8.  Does my faith cause me to act — even when it’s inconvenient, uncomfortable, or costly? 

3. Living It Out

As King’s Daughters, we are not just hearers of the Word, but doers. Here’s how we can live James 2:

• Check your heart — Do you treat others differently based on appearance or status?
• Serve someone today — Let your faith move your hands and feet.
• Ask for genuine transformation — Invite the Holy Spirit to align your life with what you believe.

Faith is more than a feeling — it’s a force. And when it’s real, it changes everything.

Prayer: A Heart of True Faith 

Father God, 

Thank You for the mirror of Your Word — for showing us who we really are so that You can make us more like Jesus. Lord, we confess any favouritism we’ve held in our hearts. Cleanse us of hidden pride, of shallow judgments, and of the desire to impress rather than serve. Give us a faith that breathes — one that feeds the hungry, welcomes the outsider, and stands up for the voiceless. Help us not just to believe in You, but to believe You — and to walk that belief out in love, mercy, and truth. Make our hands ready to serve. Make our words seasoned with grace. Make our lives a testimony that faith in You changes everything. We want to be daughters who reflect the heart of our glorious King. In Jesus’ powerful name, Amen.

Love in Christ P 💗💗