We are all unique and different. We are born into different cultures, have different genetic characteristics, different backgrounds and different personalities, likes and dislikes. Our differences can become a source of division unless we learn to see people as God sees them and look past the differences to love the person for who they are.
“My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.” V2
I guess I was blessed growing up to have parents and a grandmother who exposed me to being interactive with a wide variety of people in a wide variety of settings and circumstances. Rich or poor, young or old, black or white or in between. I learned to see the beauty and value in every face. I was around people with handicaps, people in nursing homes with dementia, people who were brought up in church and people who were brought up in homes without Christ. It didn't matter what the circumstance, people were loved for being a human being who deserved to be treated with dignity and respect. I'm thankful for that upbringing and I'm sure that contributed to my desire to be a caregiver and go into the medical field. I try to treat all of my patients with genuine concern and compassion, whether they are a distinguished VIP in society or a homeless drug addict or alcoholic. Sometimes it takes a lot of prayer for Jesus to help me love others, for not all are easy to love.
Jesus taught us by example to minister to people of all walks of life. He called us to extend genuine, nondiscriminatory, unconditional love. "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. John 13:34
James warned the church to be aware of how they treated the people who walked through the door. Even our thoughts towards people can reflect a sinful, judgmental heart. If we shun certain people and show favor toward others, we are being judgmental and unloving - “have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts." (v4) We have to remember that Jesus showed us mercy and expects us to extend that same mercy to others. “So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
(V12-13)
James goes on to point out that our true heart desires and motives will be reflected and lived out in how we respond toward others needs. It's not enough to say we believe God's Word if we don't put those beliefs into action. “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (V15-17).
How can we represent Christ to a world in need if we do not become actively involved in the lives of others and try to meet genuine needs? We don't perform "works" to earn brownie points with God or to secure our salvation. We put our trust in the finished work of Christ and as God begins to transform us into the image of Christ, we will naturally desire to glorify God through our actions.