If indeed you fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you do well; Truth to Learn The greatest thing we can do for others is to love them like we love ourselves. Behind the Words “Fulfill” is the word teleō, which means...
James 2:7 – Blasphemous Wealth
Don’t they blaspheme that beautiful name by which you are called? Truth to Learn The conversation of the rich and famous is more an indication of their devotion to God (or lack thereof) than their wealth. Behind the Words The word “blaspheme” is not a translation but a transliteration. That...
James 2:6 – Worldly Irony
But you dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? Truth to Learn It’s ironic that we tend to give the most consideration for the people who care the least about us. Behind the Words The Greek word that is translated here...
James 2:5 – Poor Heirs
Listen, my beloved brothers: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those loving Him? Truth to Learn If God has chosen the poor and the weak to be His children, why do we put...
James 2:4 – No Discrimination
have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil reasonings? Truth to Learn Judging a person by how they dress and how wealthy they are is selfish and evil. We need to learn to not judge people by their outward appearance. Behind the Words The phrase, “have...
James 2:3 – Partial Greeter
and you should look upon the one wearing the fine clothes and should say to him, "You sit here in a good place," and should say to the poor man, "You stand there," or, "Sit here under my footstool," Truth to Learn Christians need to become “money blind” and treat...
James 2:2 – Apparel Judgment
For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine clothing, and there should also come in a poor person in filthy clothes, Truth to Learn Wealth or poverty should not be sources of differentiation within the church. Behind the Words The word translated “assembly”...
James 2:1 – Impartial Faith
My brothers, do not have the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. Truth to Learn Do not show favoritism based on outward appearances. Behind the Words The word translated “Lord” is kurios, which comes from the noun kuros, meaning “might or power.” The word...
James 1:27 – Unselfish Light
Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to watch over orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. Truth to Learn The true outward expression of a Christian life is to care for the needs of others and not be...
James 1:26 – Tongue Control
If anyone among you thinks himself to be religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless. Truth to Learn Controlling what we say and how we say it is a clear indication of the degree to which we are submitted to...