Do not treat the rich better than the poor

James 2:1-9

1 My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. 3 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," 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6 But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong? 8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. 
9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers


When people are poor, weak, dependent on aid or our good will, or if they are vulnerable in any other way this is no excuse to treat them with any less dignity than the way we treat the famous, rich and influential. Doing so is judging with evil thought-patterns guiding our judgement instead of the love of Christ. Favoritism, treating the have-s of this world better than the don't-have's is sin! The way we treat the weak and dependent shows the quality of our character. Are we people of love and kindness or selfish people who only treat well those whom are of use and benefit to them while Lording it over those who are not. Let us remember that it is often the rich who exploit and oppress the poor and treat them with contempt so why favor them above the poor? We should treat all people equally with respect and dignity.