https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPB7g9aD0lY
We all play favorites, even when we don’t mean to. In this message from James 2, we look at how judging people by looks, money, or status pulls us away from God’s heart. God doesn’t have “favorite kids” — His love and mercy are for everyone. You’ll hear real stories, simple examples, and a clear call to stop ranking people and start showing mercy. Discover what it means to live like the ground is level at the cross, and how mercy can change the way you see and treat others this week.
Key Verse
“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.”
— James 2:1 (NIV)
Devotional
Every family has a “family look.” Maybe you have your dad’s nose, your mom’s smile, or your grandparent’s laugh. In the same way, God’s children are supposed to “look like” their Heavenly Father.
James reminds us that God does not show favoritism. That means He doesn’t treat some people as more important than others. He doesn’t look at money, popularity, race, skills, or age first. He looks at the heart.
When we show favoritism, we forget who our Father is. We stop acting like His kids, and we start acting like the world. Emotionally and spiritually healthy followers of Jesus remember who they belong to. They let His heart shape their heart.
As Pentecostal believers, we talk a lot about the power of the Holy Spirit. But the Spirit doesn’t only give us gifts like prophecy, healing, or tongues. He also makes us more like Jesus in how we treat people. When we ignore people, look down on them, or only care about those who can help us, we are resisting the Spirit’s work in our hearts.
Questions for Reflection
Prayer