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Abstract

Inconsistency drove James crazy. In the first half of James chapter two, he calls for consistently loving others regardless of their socio-economic status (Preview: In the second half of chapter two, he calls for consistency in the life of the believer between one’s works and one’s words). James introduces a hypothetical situation involving two very different people who receive two very different responses: The rich man gets preferential treatment; the poor man is treated like a second-class citizen. James argues that everyone deserves preferential treatment, and those who provide it selectively are guilty before God. He concludes this section with a powerful passage that describes one of the clearest—and most difficult—ways you and I can love our neighbor as ourselves: By extending mercy and forgiveness. Once again, James unapologetically challenges us with some very difficult teachings.