Devotionals for October 9, 2024
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READ
JAMES 2:1-5
“My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him?”
“My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him?”
REFLECT
It can be easy to favor people we understand and relate to. It’s not something we have to try to do, it just comes naturally to us. Sometimes we have to put forth a little extra effort to include someone who would normally be considered an outsider. However, if we follow the example of Jesus, we see that He did this all the time in His walk on earth.
He was given countless opportunities to minister to those who would have been outside of the normal comfort zone for many. He is our shining example of how to love others and encourage them right where they are at. It’s not about anyone else changing so we can feel more at ease, it’s aligning ourselves with the heart of Jesus and seeing the opportunity to love someone through His eyes.
He was given countless opportunities to minister to those who would have been outside of the normal comfort zone for many. He is our shining example of how to love others and encourage them right where they are at. It’s not about anyone else changing so we can feel more at ease, it’s aligning ourselves with the heart of Jesus and seeing the opportunity to love someone through His eyes.
APPLY
Q: What is your biggest takeaway from the verse today and how can you put it into action?
Q: Where do you need to adjust your life to make a more welcoming presence for those who are outsiders in your circle of influence?
Q: Is there someone specific you need to take time for today and show them the love of Jesus?
Q: Where do you need to adjust your life to make a more welcoming presence for those who are outsiders in your circle of influence?
Q: Is there someone specific you need to take time for today and show them the love of Jesus?
SING
PRAY
"Give us today our daily bread."
Lord, You know I need the daily bread You offer me to be a life-giving source to those around me. Please sustain me today and provide the stamina I need to be a light to those in my circle of influence.
Lord, You know I need the daily bread You offer me to be a life-giving source to those around me. Please sustain me today and provide the stamina I need to be a light to those in my circle of influence.