Scripture
Faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

Observation
Faith in Jesus should result in a new attitude to people. If we discriminate, it shows that our motives are still evil.

To give a well-dressed person honour above those who are poor is a disgrace. It is the rich, not the poor, who are likely to oppress the believers in the courts.

It is good to quote the law about loving our neighbours, but that law must lead us to care for the poor in practical ways.

Faith is not true faith until we show it in good deeds.

Application
Real faith comes out in a radically changed lifestyle. At the basis of this is true love for other people.

It is natural to look up to those who are rich or influential. For followers of Jesus, though, we must love people for who they are, not for their ability to bestow favour upon us.

In our relationships our focus should always be on the needs of the other, not on what the other can do for me.

That is a huge reversal in our natural way of thinking, and can only come through the grace of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer
Father, do I look for what I can get from others? Do I favour those I perceive to be better off than me at the expense of those who have nothing material to offer me? Please help me to love my neighbour for who they are, not for what they have. Amen.