July 18, 2020: SOAP #3880:  Isaiah 32-35; James 2

Scripture:  James (NIV) 2:8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.

Observation:   In the above scriptures we read that favoritism is sin.  There is another word that means the same thing—the word: “prejudice.”  It too is a sin!

It is my opinion that most people can recognize when they are the victims of prejudice.  I know I can recognize it; I do not like it.  To be discriminated against for no reason that I can do anything about.  Helplessly stuck in the mud of another person’s thoughts.  Yes, I know when I have encountered prejudice against me. 

But what I often do not know—when I have discriminated against someone else.  I need others to help me see myself.  I need the help of the Holy Spirit to reveal my thoughts and my heart to myself. 

Application:   I need to wrap my thoughts around the thoughts of Jesus toward everyone around me.  Each one is so special that He gave his life for them.  I need to see myself as God’s servant to express His love for those around me. 

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, flow through me to be an expression of the Father’s love for each one around me.  Use me to reach out to those who may feel rejected or ignored.  Use me to add value to their lives.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!