James 2:7-8‏

"Is it not they who slander and blaspheme that precious name by which you are distinguished and called [the name of Christ invoked in baptism]?" James 2:7

Let's continue this thought of how foolish we are, trying to pick and choose whom we are to allow God's love to reach out too. James began this argument with two fellow brethren entering the church and how we regard them. Favoring the rich, not only is wrong because it dishonors the poor, but by choosing "wealth" as a reason to regard a person, James draws our attention to how the wealthy (in general), are "who domineer over you... who drag you into the law courts"... and here in verse 7, he continues... "who slander and blaspheme the Name of Jesus!".

Though these few, whom God has chosen, happen to be rich... our showing regard for them because they are, is so ignorant, considering that any Non-Christian rich were oppressive over the populous.

8. "If indeed you [really] fulfill the royal Law in accordance with the Scripture, You shall love your neighbor as [you love] yourself, you do well."

James refers to all of the Old Testament law being fulfilled by loving your neighbor as yourself. We've heard this before, you know... here are just two.

"The commandments, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not kill, You shall not steal, You shall not covet (have an evil desire), and any other commandment, are summed up in the single command, You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself. Love does no wrong to one's neighbor [it never hurts anybody]. Therefore love meets all the requirements and is the fulfilling of the Law." Romans 13:8-10

"For the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is complied with in the one precept, You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself." Galatians 5:14

Let's pick up with James verse 2:9-11 next time.

I love you.