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matter of manners or culture—it is a theological contradiction. Favoritism cannot coexist with genuine faith in Jesus Christ because it denies His character, violates His law, and forgets the coming judgment.

James opens with a direct command: “Do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism” (James 2:1).

The issue is not social sensitivity—it is spiritual alignment. When the church begins to judge by status, appearance, or wealth, it has adopted the world’s value system instead of God’s.

James reminds us that God’s kingdom does not operate on human hierarchies. To show favoritism is to deny the royal law of love and to forget that we will all stand before the same Judge. Yet James ends with hope: “Mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13).

Favoritism is not a social issue—it is a gospel issue. True faith reflects the mercy it has received.