HOW TO TREAT PEOPLE FAIRLY

                                                                James 2:1-13

  Introduction:

       A.  James tells us that, as believers in Jesus, we shouldn't show favoritism (NIV) or partiality

             (NKJV). v1

       B.  He illustrates what he means.  vv2-4,9

       C.  James sums up the matter by referring to the royal law  (vv8-9; Matt. 22:37-39) and the

             law that gives freedom.  vv12-13: James 1:25)

  Let's note several ways that favoritism or discrimination can be practiced, reasons why christians

  shouldn't, and then three ways to treat people fairly.

  I.  Four ways to discrinate:

      A.  by appearance.  Examples.  See I Samuel 16:1,6-7,11-12

      B.  by ancestry.  Examples.  See John 3:16-17

      C.  by  age.  Examples.  See I Timothy 4:12; I Peter 5:5

      D.  by affluence.  Examples.  See James 1:9-10

II.  Four reasons not to:

      A.  Favoritism is  wrong  James 2:1

      B.  Favoritism is a sin James 2:9

      C.  Favoritism is unloving  James 2:8-9

      D.  Favoritism is judgmental James 2:13a

III.  How to treat people fairly:

      A.  Accept everybody.  James 2:1; Romans 15:7

     

      B.  Appreciate everybody.  James 2:8; Philippians 2:3-5

      C.  Affirm everybody.  James 2:2-4; I Thessalonians 5:11

Conclusion:

      A.  We need to practice the "golden rule."  Matt. 7:12