Bible Verses to Explore: James 2:8 & 9
When your church is planning a party or other event, is there someone that you always hope won’t be there? Why do you want to avoid that person? Is it the way he or
she dresses? Is it some quirk in his or her behavior? Is he or she richer or poorer than you are? Is it the color of his or her skin or teeth?
Regardless of what that person looks like, acts like, or how rich or poor that person is God loves him and God expects you to love him as well. In fact, God gave us some specific instructions on this subject in James 2:8 & 9 saying, “If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted
by the law as lawbreakers.” That doesn’t mean that you have to hang all over that person or make him or her your best friend. It does mean that you should treat that person with the same kindness and respect with which you treat your best friend, the same kindness and respect with which you want to be treated.
It’s been said that, “You only love God as much as you love the person that you like the least.” How much do you love God? Please, give some serious thought to your answer to that question.
“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you…Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:27, 28, & 31
Prayer: Heavenly Father, show me how to love those people that I don’t like. In Jesus’ name. Amen.