GPS ENG: WHO ARE WE TREATING DIFFERENTLY?

READ:

Today, James is going to show us how our eyes can form opinions about people before we truly know their hearts. Let's read James 2:1-4

NOTE:

1. Who does James describe as entering the gathering?

2. What was the difference between the two men?

3. What were the first and second men wearing?

4. How did they treat the man in fine clothes?

5. How did they treat the poor man?

6. What question does James ask in verse 4?

DISCOVER:

Underline the words that describe what people did. Then underline the words that describe what they were thinking. Question: Where did the problem start—in the words, the actions, or the thoughts?

There’s something interesting here. James doesn’t just say that they were being rude. He says, “Don’t you make distinctions among yourselves?” And then, “You come to judge with evil thoughts.” Their outward actions began with something that was happening in their hearts.

What does “judging people” mean? The word used here relates to the idea of looking at a person’s face and judging them based on what one sees on the outside. In other words: “I look at you, and based on what I see, I decide how much you’re worth to me.” The question we can ask ourselves is, “Have I decided how much a person is worth based on what I can see?”

Let’s read 1 Samuel 16:1–13. What was the first thing Samuel noticed? What did Samuel think after seeing him? What is the difference between what Samuel could see and what God could see? What does God look at? Why is it good to know that God looks at our hearts?

Let’s read John 13:34. What is our standard or measure for loving others? Why is it so hard for us? What does all this have to do with our faith? If we say we believe in Jesus, the way we treat people should reflect Jesus. Our faith isn’t only evident when we sing, pray, raise our hands, or study the Bible. It’s also evident in how we treat people who can’t do anything for us.

LIVE IT OUT:

1. What are the first things we usually notice when we meet someone new?

2. Why do you think God reminds us not to judge solely by what we see?

3. What is the difference between observing something about a person and judging that person’s worth?

4. Has it ever happened to you that you judged someone the first time you met them, and then, after getting to know them better, you realized you were wrong? Or have you been judged yourself? Why?

5. What can help us wait before forming an opinion?

6. Why do you think God is more interested in the heart than in appearances?

A TRUTH TO REMEMBER!!

God does not show favoritism, and neither should we.