"Do We Show Favoritism in Our Faith?"

In this week's sermon by Pastor Gary, titled "Real Faith Doesn't Have Favorites," he emphasizes the call from the Book of James to actively live out one’s faith without favoritism. Drawing from James 1:22, Pastor Gary stresses that faith should be expressive and not merely internalized, highlighting the dangerous trend of showing favoritism, particularly in contexts like the church where equality among members should prevail. He describes how favoritism permeates various aspects of society, influencing interactions and judgments based on external factors such as wealth or appearance. He then urges the congregation to recognize this tendency in their lives and to confront their prejudices, asserting that everyone holds intrinsic value in God's eyes, regardless of their social standing. Pastor Gary further emphasizes the need for Christians to reflect God's values of love and acceptance, advocating for a church environment that welcomes all and prioritizes grace over judgment. He highlights that real faith calls for equal treatment and compassion, reinforcing that favoritism is sin. To combat this, he encourages self-examination and active efforts to treat others inclusively. The sermon culminates in a challenge for the congregation to release any biases they hold and to embrace God's unconditional love, reminding believers that faith without favoritism mirrors the true essence of following Christ. Ultimately, the message is a powerful call to embody love, grace, and unity in a divided world.