Embracing Love: Breaking Favoritism in the Church

This morning, we gathered as a family—some of us celebrating, some of us hurting, but all of us breathing the very name of God with every breath we take. We were reminded that no matter what’s happening in our world, Jesus is still on the throne, and His name is above every other name. There is power in the name of Jesus, and it’s in that name that every stronghold is broken, every chain is loosed, and every burden is lifted. We are called to lay down our worries, our doubts, and our mess at His feet, trusting that He alone is able to carry us through.

We also looked at what it means to truly be the church, especially as we continue our journey through the book of James. James doesn’t mince words—he calls out favoritism as a sin that destroys the witness of God’s people. It’s easy to have favorites in life—favorite foods, favorite teams, even favorite people. But when we bring that mindset into the church, we stop looking like Jesus. The world is watching how we treat others, especially those who are different from us, and when we show partiality, we betray the very heart of God.

James challenges us to love without discrimination, to see people not for their status, wealth, or appearance, but as beloved children of God. The royal law—love your neighbor as yourself—is not just a suggestion; it’s the very foundation of our faith. When we play favorites, we break this law and harm our witness. The church is called to be a refuge for the broken, the addicted, the doubting, and the searching. We are called to love people in the middle of their mess, just as Jesus loved us in ours.

This week, I challenge each of us to look around and notice those we might normally overlook. Who is God calling you to serve, to invite into conversation, to love with the same energy you’d give your best friend? Let’s be the church that reflects the heart of Jesus—a church where all are welcome, all are loved, and all are pointed to the only name that saves: Jesus.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Every breath we take is a reminder of God’s presence and creative power. In the very act of breathing, we speak the name of Yahweh, testifying that our lives are sustained by Him alone. This truth grounds us in humility and gratitude, reminding us that our existence is a gift and our worship is a response to the One who gives us life. [09:54]
• 2. Favoritism and genuine faith cannot coexist. When we show partiality—whether by wealth, status, race, or any other external—we betray the heart of Christ, who welcomed tax collectors, lepers, and outcasts. True faith is active, impartial, and rooted in love for all, not just those who look or act like us. [47:50]
• 3. The world’s standards of value—success, influence, appearance—have no place in the kingdom of God. When we judge by these measures, we allow worldliness to creep into the church and poison our witness. God looks at the heart, not the outward appearance, and calls us to do the same, seeking to love and serve without prejudice. [55:19]
• 4. Our actions speak louder than our words, especially to those who are watching from the outside. When we play favorites, we not only harm individuals but also damage the reputation of Christ’s body. The story of Gandhi reminds us that a single act of exclusion can turn someone away from Jesus forever; therefore, we must be vigilant to love impartially and welcome all. [73:39]
• 5. The royal law—love your neighbor as yourself—is the measure by which God judges our faithfulness. Every act of favoritism is a breach of this law and a sin against God’s heart. Loving others means meeting them where they are, serving them sacrificially, and seeing them as worthy of grace, just as we have received grace ourselves. [76:29]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:45] - Opening and Worship Invitation
• [09:54] - Breathing the Name of God
• [10:36] - The Power in the Name of Jesus
• [21:17] - The Uniqueness of Jesus
• [30:33] - God Meets Us in Our Mess
• [34:24] - The Importance of Community (Tribes)
• [44:48] - The Danger of Favoritism in the Church
• [45:43] - Loving People in Their Mess
• [47:50] - Faith and Favoritism Cannot Coexist
• [51:01] - The Church and Political Division
• [55:19] - Worldly Standards vs. God’s Standards
• [63:46] - Giving and the Heart Behind It
• [69:07] - God Looks at the Heart, Not Appearance
• [73:39] - The Cost of Exclusion: Gandhi’s Story
• [76:29] - The Royal Law: Love Your Neighbor
• [80:03] - Practical Challenge: Loving the Overlooked
• [84:28] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Bible Reading

James 2:1-9 (ESV) — 1 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.
2 For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in,
3 and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,”
4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
5 Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?
6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court?
7 Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?
8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.
9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

Observation Questions

1. According to James 2:1-4, what specific example does James use to show how favoritism can happen in the church?
2. In the sermon, what are some modern ways favoritism can show up in church life, beyond just wealth? ([44:48])
3. What does James call the command to “love your neighbor as yourself” in verse 8, and why is it significant?
4. How does the sermon describe the impact of favoritism on the church’s witness to the world? ([01:13:39])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does James say that favoritism and genuine faith in Jesus cannot coexist? What does this reveal about the nature of true faith? ([47:50])
2. The sermon mentions that the world is watching how Christians treat others, especially those who are different. Why is this so important for the church’s mission? ([01:07:01])
3. How does judging by outward appearance, as described in 1 Samuel 16:7 (referenced in the sermon), contradict God’s way of seeing people? ([01:09:07])
4. The sermon tells the story of Gandhi being turned away from a church. What does this story illustrate about the consequences of exclusion and favoritism? ([01:13:39])

Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges us to notice people we might normally overlook. Who in your daily life do you tend to ignore or avoid, and what is one step you could take this week to reach out to them? ([01:19:18])
2. Think about a time when you felt left out or unwelcome. How did that experience affect you? How might that help you empathize with someone who feels excluded at church? ([01:14:13])
3. The “royal law” is to love your neighbor as yourself. What is one practical way you can show this kind of love to someone outside your usual circle this week? ([01:16:29])
4. The sermon says, “Favoritism and faith don’t mix.” Are there areas in your life or in our church where favoritism might be present? How can you help change that? ([47:50])
5. The pastor encouraged serving others with the same energy you’d give your best friend. What would it look like for you to serve someone you don’t know well with that kind of enthusiasm? ([01:20:03])
6. The world’s standards of value—success, influence, appearance—often creep into the church. How can you guard your heart against judging others by these standards? ([55:19])
7. The sermon ended with a challenge: “Who is on your list that God is calling you to reach that maybe you wouldn’t normally reach?” Who comes to mind for you, and what is one thing you can do to start a conversation or show love to them this week? ([01:24:28])