James 2 talks about faith. Not so-called faith but genuine faith. I have a friend that says he would rather witness to unbelievers with questionable life styles and dress than to those who have a form of Godliness. He thinks the "unbelievers" are easier to talk to.
Now I think most of us look at some people and automatically judge them. In our society people are trying to stand out, be different. For some standing out is expensive clothes, cars etc. and for others it's piercing and tattooing. But what happens when these societal "unbelievers" come into our church services? Do we pretend they are not there maybe? If so we have just exercised respect of persons which according to James is not genuine faith.
Jesus did not only give his life for those who can look the part, but "God so loved the world..." the entire world. So why not show our genuine faith by our works? Anytime we meet someone hurting can we show them the love we would show a statesman? Can we find them a good seat in church; maybe next to our family?
Douglas Dunn
