Just Do It - Showing Favoritism Isn’t Good
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Message Summary
No one likes being picked last. Its an even worse feeling when you are not picked at all! James warned believers to not play spiritual favorites. As followers of Christ, we are called to interact with everyone with humility, mercy and love. This week we looked at why it is imperative that we don’t play favorites and how we can value everyone in every interaction throughout our days.
1) What reasons are there to play favorites?
2) Do you think we play favorites intentionally? Why or Why not?
3) Where do you think we tend to play favorites in our relationships today? What negative impact does this have on relationships?
Consider This
Read James 2:1-13
1) What is the example of favoritism as described by James?
2) Why is this type of favoritism harmful?
3) Who are the “poor of this world”?
4) How does God value the poor in this world?
5) What is the royal law of Scripture? Why is it important for us as Christians to follow it?
6) What does James equate favoritism with? Why is it, then, something we should avoid?
7) How does James encourage believer to speak and act?
8) What do you think the law of liberty/law that brings freedom means? How should it shape our interactions with others?
9) What does God prefer us to show in our relationships?
10) Why is it important for our words and actions to be agents of mercy in this world?
Moving Forward
As we move forward look use these questions to help apply the truth of God’s Word in your life.
1) Where are you playing favorites in your life?
2) How can you stop playing favorites?
3) How can you show mercy to others?
This week, feel free to spend time focusing on these verses that help us to press forward when times are challenging.
Proverbs 21:10
Proverbs 28:13
Hosea 6:6
Micah 6:8
Matthew 7:1-6
Matthew 9:13
Matthew 12:7
Matthew 25:31-46
Galatians 5:22-26