Chrissie Prichard

James 2:8-9

You do well when you really fulfill the royal law found in scripture, Love your neighbor as yourself. But when you show favoritism, you are committing a sin, and by the same law you are exposed as a lawbreaker.

Reflection:

Can I be honest with you? I have a particular in-law who I sometimes find difficult to love. (Don’t worry, this person doesn’t go to St. Luke’s, so there is no risk of them seeing this.) Part of my difficulty stems from some hurtful things said in the past, but a large part of it stems from the fact that, well, they just don’t do things exactly the way I would want them to do things. A little silly when I say it out loud, huh? But silly or not, when we’re together I find myself easily frustrated and unable to extend the same grace I would extend to others.

I know God calls us to show God’s love to others, and I desire to follow this calling. I try to be kind to strangers I encounter, and I try to prioritize showing kindness to those less fortunate than myself. Despite my knowledge of God’s calling and my desire to share God’s love, when I read this verse, I was immediately convicted. I’m not sure I’m being a good neighbor to someone in my own family! Isn’t this showing favoritism? Am I being a better neighbor to strangers than I am to my own family because of petty disagreements?

Dr. Pace has shared the quote, “don’t go looking for more exciting people to love” several times, and it has always rung true for me. In the same vein, I’m afraid I’m guilty of only being a good neighbor to those I find easy to love. I want to be there for every member of my family, including those who sometimes make it hard. That’s what we’re called to do as neighbors and as followers of Christ. James 2:8-9 reminds us that we can’t pick and choose when and to whom we are good neighbors. And thank goodness for that! After all, I can’t imagine I’m always easy to love, and God still loves me.

Prayer:

Dear Lord,

Thank you for loving us no matter what, and thank you for surrounding us with others to love. If this past year has taught us anything, it has taught us how important our people are. Today we pray that you will help us love and be a good neighbor to all you have called us to love, including those we find slightly more difficult to love. We pray for your kindness, grace, and compassion to shine through us. Amen.