Equality in Christ

[cmnahrwold]

Have you ever been in a stage of life where you did not feel fully accepted? Have you been to a social gathering where you you were not welcomed? Has someone overlooked getting to know you because they did not think you could offer them anything? In the world it is easy to recognize patterns, and people often feel the most comfortable associating with similar patterns. These familiar patterns can include how much money we make, the color of our skin, our culture, the shape of our body, our skills, and our personality type. Also in this world some people can become adept at quickly identifying these patterns for building their own network to enhance personal gain.

1My dear brothers and sisters,how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?

2 For example, suppose someone comes into your meetingdressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes.

3 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,

4 doesn't this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?

5 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?

6 But you dishonor the poor! Isn't it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court?

7 Aren't they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble nameyou bear?

8 Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

9 But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law. (James 2:1-9)

God desires that all people will come to know Him, and to glorify His name. Glorifying God means allowing His personal attributes to be displayed. Through the Holy Spirit our lives will be changed and the personal attributes of Jesus will be displayed through us. Loving others means to put others needs before our own. By rejecting others because of their skin, social status, and faults we demonstrate how far from God we really are.

5 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.

6 Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7 Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. (Romans 15:5-7)