CALL TO WORSHIP
Together, we gather to be present to the God who is already present to us.
However you are joining us, we encourage you to participate in the work of God today as He speaks and leads us. Wherever you are, God is already present and at work all around us. Let’s join Him!
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong? If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
James 1:2-5, 3:13-18 NIV
PRAYING TOGETHER
Christ Jesus, in you we have the hope of resurrection.
All wisdom, power, and wholeness belongs to you.
In you we have forgiveness of sins and life everlasting.
All peace, healing, and rejoicing belongs to you.
As your Spirit moves among us,
May the mysteries of your grace continue to be
Revealed through your generous mercy.
May your name be glorified as you reconcile the world to yourself.
In your name, amen.
MINISTRY PARTNER HIGHLIGHT
To learn more about Amachi Mentoring and give, visit https://www.lexlf.org/amachi-central-kentucky-1
LIVE IT OUT TOGETHER
We seek to share a common way of life – a shared journey into the life of Jesus. We do so through 3 discipleship pathways: Communion, Community, and Co-Mission. Learn more at restorationlex.com/pathways!
Communion
“Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
Mercy is the posture and presence of compassion and kindness towards the weak, the weary, the wandering, and the lost. This week, read Ephesians 2:4-5 and meditate on the mercy of God for you. And in light of God’s mercy for you, ask the Lord to reveal the people for which you lack mercy and compassion. Ask God to transform your heart to see them as He does.
Community
Discuss with your Home Church or friends this week the following questions: 1. We’re all prone to the kind of “favoritism” that James speaks of, and our biases can often be hard to see. Share a time that you’ve become aware of that your perceptions about others didn’t meet reality. 2. How might those you walk with in community grow in mercy, making room at the table for even those with whom you have differences and disagreements?
Co-Mission
Henri Nouwen wrote, “Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place.” This week, show the mercy of God through a welcoming gesture or act of service. Have someone over for dinner, share a cup of coffee… find a way to (literally!) make room at the table for someone!
