James criticises giving the rich a comfortable seat... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
James 2:4

James criticises giving the rich a comfortable seat simply because they are rich, while a poor man has to be satisfied with a degraded place or standing room because he is poor (vv. 2 & 3). Wrong standards in our thoughts lead to wrong distinctions in the communal life of Christians.
Is it possible that this clear admonition is applicable to us today? We do, indeed, run the risk of making wrong distinctions between the educated and the uneducated. There are many motives and points of view according to which we show our approval or disapproval of individuals.
God has not abolished social differences in our day. "The rich and the poor have this in common, the LORD is the maker of them all" (Proverbs 22:2). This verse is still valid today without any reservations. Now in God's family, in the spiritual realm, our earthly standing is no longer decisive. On the contrary, "Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, but the rich in his humiliation" (James 1:9-10).
As Christians, we need to learn to keep earthly relations in their place. If, however, anyone makes distinctions between poor and rich, or high and low in the fellowship of believers, it shows a lack of tact and is offensive. Even worse: God's verdict states with remarkable pointedness that it is the result of "evil thoughts". It signifies re-introducing distinctions that Christ has expressly annulled (cf. Galatians 3:28).
Today's reading: Acts 16:19-40