James is like an Old Testament prophet at times. In Chapter 2 he pounds away at the inequities he sees in the people of God. (He actually sounds like he’s been to some of our churches these days.)

There is the age-old problem of favoring someone flashing money around. We just tend to pay more attention to them. James was noticing that in the church and called people out over it. He then calls his readers back to the matters of true Old Testament law, which is what Jesus did as well: Love your neighbor.

If we will live the fulfillment of the great commandments we will find ourselves in mercy. Love God. Love your neighbor. Don’t love someone because of their bank account or what they may be able to do for you. And quit demanding people love you because of what you may “bring to the table.”

Bring Kingdom rightness into people’s lives regardless of economic status and watch mercy flow.

¹² In every way, then, speak and act as people who will be judged by the law of freedom. ¹³ There will be no mercy in judgment for anyone who hasn’t shown mercy. Mercy overrules judgment. (James 2:12-13, CEB)