James 2:1-4
“My brothers, don't hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. For if a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, comes into your synagogue, and a poor man in filthy clothing also comes in, and you pay special attention to him who wears the fine clothing, and say, "Sit here in a good place;" and you tell the poor man, "Stand there, or sit by my footstool;" haven't you shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?”
This letter, likely written by James, Jesus' brother, addresses Jewish Christians scattered outside of Jerusalem. It focuses on practical faith and ethical living, here specifically challenging the community to avoid favoritism when people gather for worship or community assembly.
What forms of partiality, whether obvious or subtle, might be present in our own gatherings today?