James 2 Devotional

Faith That Reaches the Poor

“Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?”James 2:5 (BSB)

James pictures two visitors arriving at a church meeting, one in fine clothes and a gold ring, the other in shabby clothes. The rich man gets the best seat, and the poor man is told to stand or sit at someone's feet (2:2-3). James calls this judging with evil motives. God has chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of his kingdom (2:5), and he does not share our habit of ranking people by appearance.

The rest of the chapter presses the point further. A faith that sees a hungry brother and offers only kind words is dead (2:15-17). Abraham believed God and was counted righteous (2:23), and his trust showed itself when he offered Isaac. Real faith is never alone, because it takes hold of a God who gives to the undeserving. Paul describes it the same way, as faith working through love (Galatians 5:6). James reminds us that mercy wins out over judgment (2:13). Those who have received mercy have every reason to show it to the person everyone else overlooks.

To think about: Who is easy for you to overlook, and what concrete kindness could you show them this week?