James is pretty direct with this command: Do not show favoritism. Apparently he’d received word that the wealthy were being given preferential treatment in the houses of worship, were offered the nicest seats while the poor were relegated to the back of the room or even the floor. James was very clear that discriminating against others on the basis of outward appearance has no place in the life of a believer. A Christian brother or sister has equal standing with every other Christian brother or sister in Jesus’s eyes. This kind of treatment—or mistreatment, as the case may be—can damage a church body’s testimony. Deliberately playing favorites even calls the individual’s faith into question. When we hold on to our faith, we begin to see people as Jesus sees them. We act in obedience to Him and love the way He loves. God doesn’t show partiality—all are welcome at the cross!—and neither should we.