The Love of God Knows no Favoritism

James 2:3-4 (CEB): To Whom do we Gravitate?

Then suppose that you were to take special notice of the one wearing fine clothes, saying, “Here’s an excellent place. Sit here.” But to the poor person you say, “Stand over there”; or, “Here, sit at my feet.” Wouldn’t you have shown favoritism among yourselves and become evil-minded judges?

How many times have we judged others by showing favoritism to the people we prefer? It is one of the most human things to do. We gravitate toward magnetic personalities, trend-setters, extroverts, and polished and popular people. We smile dismissively at the mundane, the outcast, the out-of-style, and those on the margins of life -- those outside of our comfort zone. In James’ letter to the universal church, the author addresses this concern: He reminds us that the love of God knows no favoritism. And if we as Christ’s ambassadors in this world plan to represent his love, we should avoid the human tendency to favor the “highly likable” while ignoring the marginalized. In theory, loving the outcast is a sound idea that meshes well with Christian living, but lived out, indiscriminate love is a challenge.

In her 19th century novel, Frankenstein, Mary Shelley argues that denying all creatures love and acceptance destroys their character, teaching them to be corrupt, murderous individuals, victims of the fallen society in which they live. We see this through the creature's narrative when he is repeatedly rejected, ostracized, and hunted by villagers who judge him based on his appearance. Society, however, cannot see the creature for who he is, a compassionate, love-starved being looking for acceptance. Like Mary Shelley’s society, we, too, are given the same power. How we treat all in our path -- including those who get under our skin, those to whom we are least drawn -- leaves a mark on humanity. Which do we choose: to leave a mark of loving acceptance or hate-filled rejection? James encourages us to choose the former.

Too many Christian communities choose rejection, however. I have seen it first hand. A new person enters the place of worship and is judged by their attire, demeanor, lifestyle, and notoriety. But, through his ministry to all, Jesus teaches us that the outside of a person does not matter. It is their faith and the condition of their heart that does. In this week’s gospel reading (Mark 7:24-37), for instance, Jesus crosses the Sea of Galilee to the Decapolis. Archaeological history identifies this as Gentile territory. While there, Jesus encounters those people rejected by Jewish culture, those who are outside of the old covenant. Jesus, however, does not discriminate; he heals, welcomes, and loves those rejected by society, setting the example of his way for us to follow. How can we, too, be more inclusive, welcoming, loving people?

Heavenly Father, we desire to be agents of loving welcome to all people so that they, too, can seek and find your love. Let our lives reflect the way, truth, and life of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, welcoming all people despite their differences. We pray in Jesus’ name, amen.

Have a blessed week!

Stan