James has more to say on the topic of favoritism. Setting verse 8 aside for a bit, a look at verses 9-13 show us that favoritism is an abomination. James says it’s a sin and if we commit favoritism, we’re just as guilty of breaking the God’s law as if committing murder or adultery. If favoritism is a sin, what’s the answer? That is found in verse 8 where we are told about the royal law – that is, the need to love others. When we love others as we should, then we will eliminate favoritism. Instead of asking who is my neighbor, the better question to ask is to whom can I be a neighbor. It really has more to do with opportunity than proximity.
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