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Respect of Persons (James 2:1-13) James continues his letter about putting faith in action by condemning judging according to appearances. |
Respect of Persons (James 2:1-13)
James continues his letter about putting faith in action by condemning judging according to appearances.
- It is good to have certain types of respect (discernment of honor and/or character). We can respect or honor elders (1 Thess. 5:12-13; Heb. 13:7), rulers (Rom. 13:7; 1 Pet. 2:17), parents (Eph. 6:1-3; 1 Tim. 5:16), masters/employers (Eph. 6:5-8), spouses (Eph. 5:22-25), good examples (Phil. 3:17). Likewise there are some to discriminate against (1 Cor. 15:33; 5:3-7; Rom. 16:17).
- But we cannot show other types of respect (discernment/discrimination of external qualities). James particularly addresses the issue of partiality based on wealth but such can be applied to race, title, social class, education, appearance, etc. As imitators of God we cannot be respecters of persons (Eph 5:1; Acts 10:34-35). True religion is a leveling ground (Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16; Gal. 3:26-8; Lk 10:27-37).
- A wrong respect of persons makes us judges of evil thoughts. Such are not righteous judgments (John 7:24) for, in themselves, they have no basis in God’s Word and matter not in God’s eye (1 Sam. 16:7; 1 Cor. 4:4-5; Heb. 4:12; 2 Cor. 5:10). Our judgments are to be based on a comparison with God’s Word (Matt. 7:20).
