APRIL 10

James 2:1-9

FAVOURITISM

Judging people by how they look and/or showing them favour above others is favouritism.

The Bible records for us that the prophet Samuel practised favoritism. When he was to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as king of Israel, he saw Eliab and thought to himself that Eliab was the Lord’s anointed as he looked like a king. Samuel favoured Eliab above his brothers. But God intervened and advised Samuel not to look at Eliab’s height or appearance.

Take a look arond you. Do pretty or handsome schoolmates attract many friends? Do you befriend them because they are better-looking?

In churches, sometimes you might see how one group of people wearing fine and expensive clothes flock together and another group wearing ordinary, plain clothes gather to talk. We tend to look at people or befriend them by their outward appearance. Should it be like that?

We judge others by their appearance. We tend to equate riches to the types of clothes people put on. This is a wrong thing to do. How does God see us? He is not interested in what clothes we wear, whether we are following the latest fashions and styles, but he is interested in the condition of our __________ (unscramble these letters to form the word – SATHRE).

Thought: Why should you not favour others based on their appearance? Read Matthew 7:1-2.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me not judge people by their looks. Help me treat people fairly and be their friends regardless of their looks or riches. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.