If you have been with us so far then you know that James has covered a great deal; encouraging this young church that God had something extraordinary for them on the other side of their trial—blessing and life. He encouraged them that God only gives good gifts, and that they were in danger of letting their trial transform into temptation, which could be ruinous to their lives.

James reminded them that faithfully following Jesus meant that they could not simply hear the word and nod in agreement to what it said, but that they must do what the word says—and this is best expressed in being completely unstained by the irredeemable aspects of the culture around them and displaying active compassion for the dispossessed of society.

Religion, James writes, that the Father loves is marked by justice and holiness; equity and piety.

James, pushing them toward a lived word, expressed in active compassion and personal piety was a precursor it seems to his addressing an even greater issue.

It seems that many in this early church community, much like in the Colonial community of European Servants and African Slaves, decided that for a little bit of status; for a bit of favour, or potentially some upward mobility or acceptance; or perhaps because of some of their own self-loathing, are willing to dishonour other impoverished people; willing to discriminate against their own, to show favouritism to their oppressors.

James is appalled. They are being completely hypocritical. They were ready to rise against their oppressors in anger, and lose sight of True Religion, but then they turn around and speak and act without mercy toward one who is like them, while trying to impress their oppressors.

This of course should go without saying, but Discrimination of any kind is inconsistent with faith in Jesus.

James | Discrimination | James 2:1-13