Face the Mirror - James 2:1-13
If you want to have favor with God, you can’t play favorites with people.
ICE BREAKER: Share with your group a time when you experienced favoritism.
Read: James 2:1-7
What are some ways we are guilty of showing favoritism?
How does favoritism contradict God’s character?
Read: James 2:8-9
James calls “love your neighbor as yourself” the royal law. Another term for it is the “golden rule.” Why do you think this is such a highly valued practice in the Kingdom of God?
How does practicing favoritism contradict the golden rule?
Read: James 2:10-11
What are the implications of this break-one-you-break-them-all principle for Christians?
What does this reveal about the seriousness with which God views favoritism?
Read: James 2:12-13 and Matthew 6:14-15
Why are mercy and forgiveness such important practices for Christians?
Prayer: Pray James 2:8. Ask God to bring to mind specific individuals he wants you treat with the golden rule. If you already know who those people are, pray for them by name in your group.