Impartial Mercy

"Do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ with partiality." – James 2:1

There was a young lady from a poorer neighborhood who attended this well-to-do church, a wealthy congregation. When she approached the pastor about joining, he wasn't sure if she would be received well. So he said, "I tell you what, go home and read your Bible every single day, and then at the end of the week you come back and tell me if you still want to join."

She was irritated by that, but she said, "Okay." So, she goes home and reads her Bible every day for about an hour. Then she came back and he said, "Well, what do you want to do?" She says, "I still want to join your church."

He hesitated and said, "I tell you what, go home and pray one hour every single day this week and then tell me if you still want to join our church." She was somewhat irritated about that, but she went home and prayed.

He didn't see her again for six months. And he finally ran into her around town, and he said, "I haven't seen you in six months at our church. What happened?" And she said, "Well, I'll tell you what happened, pastor. I went home and I prayed every day for an hour. I asked the Lord, "Do you want me to join this church?" And finally, I heard the Lord say in my heart, "Don't be upset that they won't receive you at that church. Don't worry about the fact that they're not letting you into that church." He said, "I've been trying to get into that church for 10 years and they won't let Me in either."

Anybody is welcome in God's church. God's love is impartial, and our mercy being poured out to other people should be impartial too. In James 2:1, it says, "Do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ with partiality." And then James goes on to describe how some churches treat wealthy individuals better than the poor. He warns against this kind of favoritism.

In Acts 10:34, after the Lord led Peter to reach Cornelius, a Gentile, he finally comes to the conclusion: "In truth, I perceive that God shows no partiality." God was trying to get him to share the gospel with Cornelius, and at that point, Jews who had followed Jesus weren't reaching out to Gentiles yet. Cornelius was a Gentile, and God was trying to get Peter's attention: I love every person, regardless of who they are or their background.

We must never practice selective evangelism. Certain people may choose to attend certain churches, but we should be welcoming, no matter the socio-economic background.

Reflection Question: Where in your life might you be showing favoritism or partiality rather than God's impartial mercy? Who are the "Corneliuses" God might be calling you to reach?

Dear God, forgive me for the times I've shown favoritism or been selective in extending Your mercy. Your Word teaches me that You love each person individually and equally. Help me to see others through Your eyes and to love without distinction. Break down any barriers of prejudice or preference in my heart. Make me an instrument of Your impartial mercy in this world. I want to be the hands and feet of Jesus to everyone I meet. In Jesus' Name, amen.

Check out the sermon "Compassion in Action":  https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/kpnmqdv/5-compassion-in-action