A reading from the letter of James.

My sisters and brothers, your faith in our glorious Savior Jesus Christ must not allow favoritism.  Suppose there should come into your assembly a person wearing gold rings and fine clothes, and at the same time a poor person dressed in shabby clothes.  Suppose further you were to take notice of the well-dressed one and say, “Sit right here, in the seat of honor”; and say to the poor one, “You can stand!” or “Sit over there by my footrest.”  Have you not in a case like this discriminated in your hearts? Have you not set yourselves up as judges who hand down corrupt
decisions?

Listen, dear sisters and brothers.  Did not God choose those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the kindom promised to those who love God?

The Word of God recorded in the letter of James.