Feeling Invisible? Jesus Sees You Perfectly | James 2:1-4

Have you ever felt invisible? Maybe you walked into a room, and no one noticed you because you didn’t fit the mold. Imagine walking into a church to seek hope only to find rejection. How you treat others could be the difference between them being drawn to Jesus or driven away from him.

And this is what James is concerned about in today's text in James 2:1-4.

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My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? — James 2:1-4

James does not pull punches here. He directly tackles a widespread issue in the church: favoritism.

I think we can all imagine this situation: two people walk into the same church. One is decked out in designer threads, radiating success. The other looks like they just crawled out of bed from a hard week. What do you think? What's your judgment? Will you disregard the disheveled and favor the decked-out? Will you ignore the one to seek the benefit and approval of the other? If you do, even within your mind, James defines this as “judging with evil thoughts.”

We all have been the target of favoritism and the instigator of it.

However, favoritism in the church is a deadly disease to the gospel and the glory of God. When we come to a gathering of believers in "judgment mode," judging the people around us we objectify the wrong thing—ourselves. God's church was not designed to be a place to build our network or net worth. It is a place where together we focus our hearts and minds on God, glorifying and worshiping him, not ourselves.

This is one of the things I appreciate about the church and the gospel. We are all sinners through and through, redeemed only by his grace, not by factors determined by the government, education, pop culture, net worth, or genetics. Why would we rely on such factors, unless we’ve become judges with evil thoughts?

Favoritism reveals our faithlessness.

Check your heart this week. Notice how you judge those within your Christian community. Who do you gravitate toward? Who do you ignore? Then ask yourself the hard and reflective question: why do I ignore one and gravitate to the other? Then, make it a point to intentionally greet or sit with someone you’d normally overlook at church. When you do this, you are glorifying God and sharing the gospel of God's great grace. The same grace he extended to you.

If our favoritism reveals our faithlessness, then the gospel reveals God's boundless grace and perfect judgment. None of us can stand before him based on what we wear, what we’ve done, or who we know. We’re all sinners in desperate need of a Savior, and the good news is this: Jesus judges perfectly and welcomes us just as we are even though he demands a change.

While we often judge by appearances or selfish motives, Jesus looks beyond the surface. He sees your heart and offers grace—not because of what you bring, but because of what he has done. He lived the perfect life we couldn’t, died the death we deserved, and rose again to offer us forgiveness and eternal life.

So today, if you feel overlooked, unworthy, or even guilty of favoritism, know that Jesus offers a better way. His perfect judgment leads to perfect grace. You don’t have to earn his favor. You can accept his gift of forgiveness and trust him to transform your life.

Confess your sin, believe that he is Lord, and trust in his sacrifice for your salvation. He will judge you not by your failures, but by the righteousness he gives freely to all who believe.

“Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner in need of Your grace. Thank You for dying for me and offering me forgiveness. I trust You as my Savior and submit to Your perfect judgment. Change me, and help me live for Your glory. Amen.”

If you prayed this prayer write the words, "I choose Jesus" below. We want to celebrate with you and help you take the next step in your faith journey!

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[joemarks]

Thank you Lord for your upside down economy, it goes against all worldly expectation. Give eyes to see what you see and hearts that love like yours. 🤠❤️🔥

[airangel]

Amen! Thank you Pastor Vince. I choose Jesus today and everyday for the rest of my life.

[justbargelle]

Just right on time. Amen!!!!
GOD IS GIVING ME THIS MESSAGE INDEED!!

[marksarookanian]

You have 3 different sermons built into this. Great work.

One of the things you touched upon is a terrible habit in Church culture. So many people are in the habit - You come into Church on a Sunday, and you flock to your friends. You catch up on the hockey game, or the work week, or the problems with the car. All too often we look past the new people, the visitors, and we forget that it's never easy to be the new kid. If we continue to be clicky, why would the stranger stick around at the Church where they don't feel welcome?

[JBarnard-vlxt]

@VinceLeeMiller ... Hi sir i am really struggling ...tormenting... please pray for me. Im unsure why but seems my comments dont get read ...overall that is, this is first time visiting your channel.
Im very confused ohh i need to know my faith isnt in vain... i cant imagine how i could possibly be going through such a state of confusion torment if the Lord smiles in love at me. Im terrified im being rebuked by the Lord bc again what im going through is so insane it just doesnt add up there are so many blessings for children of God. How could i be going through attacks this severe and i cry out all day long every day for years now. Something happened. Please pray and aak Lord to show you. Maybe He will. I need direction.

jackie