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The Way of Love - Associate with the Lowly

TRUTH: As we associate with people who are oppressed, we are practicing love.

April 15, 2018

TRUTH: As we associate with people who are oppressed, we are practicing love.

Associating with the lowly…

1. Separates out fake followers
James 1:26-27 :: If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

2. Gains mercy in judgement
James 2:13 :: For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Reasons we should associate with the lowly…

1. Models faith in Jesus
James 2:1 :: My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.

2. Reveals holy thinking
James 2:4 :: have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

3. Mirrors God’s heart
James 2:5 :: Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?

4. Honors people
James 2:6a :: But you have dishonored the poor man.

5. Protects us from evildoers
James 2:6b-7 :: Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?

6. Keeps me from sin
James 2:8-12 :: If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. 11 For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty.

What does this mean for me?
1. External appearance is not the basis for my LOVE
2. My level of Gospel understanding is demonstrated by my action toward the lowly