James 2:1-13

Be Still: Jesus, open my eyes to see you rightly today. As I spend time with you, would you transform my heart and mind. Come and have your way. Amen

Read: James 2:1-13

‘Has not God 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?’ (v5)

Encounter: Research suggests that it takes less than 7 seconds to form a first impression. Within that one fleeting moment our brains have already made long-lasting judgements on others' attractiveness, competency, likeability, and trustworthiness. And unfortunately, we’re all too quickly satisfied to settle with this way of thinking. It makes sense – our culture is rooted in the physical, in what can be immediately seen, how things appear above the surface. 

But God invites us to see differently.

In this passage, James confronts us with a challenge: to take off the 'eyes of the world' and learn to see with the eyes of God. He invites us to perceive a deeper reality, one not concerned with appearance, wealth, or status, but instead rooted in the way he sees them. There is no partiality in the love of God. 

‘For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’ (1 Samuel 16)

Today, James calls us to throw off superficiality and begin to see as the Father sees: riches of faith, where others see poverty; inheritors where others see outsiders; beloved children, where others see sinners. 

Once we see people rightly, we’re able to love them rightly - just as we’re commanded. 

Apply: Take a moment to ask yourself these questions - 

• Am I quick to make judgement based on outward appearances or status? 

• Do I show favouritism to people I admire? 

• Have I recently stepped out of my comfort zone to love someone who’s not like me? 

Devote: Lord, please give me heavenly eyes to see people the way you do. Help me to look past the outward appearance and uncover their hearts. Increase my capacity to love people as you do.