Remembering God’s Choice | James 2:5–7

When James speaks about favoritism, he reminds believers that God’s priorities often look very different from our own. While the world celebrates success, wealth, and prestige, God celebrates humility and faith. “Has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which He has promised to those who love Him?” (James 2:5).

James’ question invites reflection. Do we see people the way God does? The Lord delights in choosing the lowly and the overlooked to display His glory. His kingdom operates on grace, not greatness. Remembering God’s choice helps us align our hearts with His — valuing what He values and loving who He loves.

“Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which He has promised to those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court?” (James 2:5–7)

God delights in using the humble and overlooked to display His glory and fulfill His purposes.

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Big Idea 1: God’s Kingdom Reverses the World’s Values

In almost every society, wealth and status are symbols of success. But God’s kingdom flips that standard completely upside down. He chooses those who seem insignificant to carry out His greatest plans. From David the shepherd to Mary the young maiden, God has always revealed His power through unlikely people.

The reason is clear: when God uses the humble, He alone receives the glory. The world exalts appearance and position, but the Lord values faith and obedience. When we learn to see through His eyes, we recognize that spiritual riches matter infinitely more than material wealth.

Faith becomes the true measure of worth. Those who trust God fully, regardless of their status, are called “rich in faith.” They may have little in the world’s eyes, but they possess the treasure of knowing God intimately. That is the inheritance of every believer, to be an heir of the kingdom through love and faith.

Big Idea 2: Favoritism Dishonors the Ones God Honors

James rebukes the church for dishonoring the poor. While God honors those with humble hearts, believers have shown a preference for the wealthy. In doing so, they had reversed God’s order. They gave special treatment to those who could benefit them and ignored those who reflected God’s heart.

To dishonor the poor is to misunderstand grace. Every gift from God, salvation, forgiveness, and mercy, comes freely. When we treat others based on what they can offer, we trade grace for greed. The poor in spirit, however, remind us that dependence on God is the highest calling.

When the church embraces those who have nothing to give but faith, it reflects heaven’s beauty. God is honored when His people honor one another. Our treatment of the least among us becomes a mirror of our understanding of the gospel.

Big Idea 3: Remembering God’s Choice Changes How We See Others

God’s choice should transform ours. When we remember that He chose us not for what we had, but for what He desired to do in us, our pride begins to fade. The truth of God’s grace humbles the heart and reshapes our view of others.

Every believer has been chosen in mercy. That means there is no room for boasting or comparison. The same God who reached the poor in spirit reached us. When we forget that, we drift toward favoritism. When we remember it, we live in gratitude.

To walk in this truth is to become a living testimony of God’s grace. Every time we extend love without partiality, we declare that we serve a God who chooses the unlikely and calls them His own.

God’s kingdom values are unlike any other. He does not choose people based on talent or resources but on willingness and faith. The poor in spirit, those who depend entirely on Him, are the ones who experience His richest blessings.

Let us resist the temptation to honor worldly status and instead honor what God esteems. When we remember His choice, we find freedom from pride and a renewed heart that values humility, faith, and love. The glory of His kingdom shines brightest through those who know they have nothing to boast in but Christ.

Action Step

Spend time this week reflecting on who God has used in your life to display His grace. Thank Him for their example, and look for opportunities to honor someone whose quiet faith reflects God’s heart.

Reflection Questions

1. Why does God so often choose the humble and poor in spirit to accomplish His work?
2. In what ways have I dishonored those whom God values most?
3. How can remembering God’s grace toward me change the way I treat others?

“Has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom?” (James 2:5)

When has God used someone humble or overlooked to teach you something about faith? Share their story or your experience in the comments. Subscribe to the blog for more devotionals and encouragement in your faith journey. If this post inspired you, share it to encourage others to honor the people God delights in.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for choosing the humble and poor in spirit to reveal Your glory. Forgive me for the times I have valued the wrong things or overlooked those You love. Help me remember Your choice, reflect Your grace, and honor every person as someone made in Your image. Amen.

It begins with Christ!

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Blessings,

Chad 

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