The theme of James is growing in spiritual maturity. Each chapter deals with a different "mark" or characteristic of spiritual maturity. Chapter 2 deals with practicing truth. James encourages us to practice the truth of loving others without partiality. The Bible shows us that we cannot separate our relationship with God and our relationships with other people(1 John 4:20). The way we treat others shows what we believe about God in at least 3 ways.
1.) The Love of God - Verse 1 tells us, "have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons". In salvation we are identified with Jesus Christ who is the essence of God's love. In His life and death Jesus Christ loved people unconditionally. If we believe that God is a God of unconditional love then we will love others in the same way.
2.) The Grace of God - Verse 5 says that God has provided salvation to the poor. Salvation is given totally by grace. God ignores national, social, gender, age, educational, political, etc. differences and makes provision for salvation for all(Titus 2:11). Salvation cannot be deserved, earned or paid for by sinners. If our God is a God of grace then no one should have to earn or deserve our friendship.
3.) The Word of God - Verse 8 declares the "royal law", "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself". This means that if we believe God's Word and accept it as our authority we will treat others the way that we would want to be treated.
Walk with the Lord and fulfill the "royal law"!!!
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The Lord has chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom...He promised those who love Him (James 2:5) I pray He will cause me to be rich in faith.
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