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 to him, “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 passage is from the letter of James, likely written in the mid-first century CE to Jewish believers scattered outside of Judea. James, often considered the brother of Jesus, is addressing practical issues of faith and conduct, urging his readers to live out their beliefs consistently and justly.
What practices in our communities inadvertently elevate some people while diminishing others, and how might we gently challenge them?