James 2:3, 4 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? --NIV In the name of the One Who judges all men fairly, amen.
We are naturally attracted to people who are beautiful and dressed well. Let's face it, if someone comes into our church with dirty, torn clothes, we will be uncomfortable with their presence. But why? Dirty clothes do not make a person good or bad. They do not give a measure of faith. How do we know that a person who is perfectly dressed isn't dishonest in business dealings, or abuses his wife, etc.?
Let's remember that all of us were dirty with sin, and Jesus washed us in His blood. He made us clean. He showed us special attention and honor, even washing away the sins of our prejudices. Now we do the same for others. Amen.
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, we are forever grateful for the love and care You gave to us when You died for us on the cross. Forgive us our prejudices, and help us to show love for the poor as You showed love for us, amen.
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