James warns Christians that faith in Jesus cannot coexist comfortably with favoritism. When we give greater honor to people because of their wealth, status, appearance, or usefulness, we undermine the equality created by the gospel and become judges rather than people of mercy. James also radically reframes wealth: while we instinctively see poverty as a trial and wealth as a blessing, James forces us to consider that wealth itself can be a spiritual test—at best, a significant stewardship responsibility; at worst, an obstacle to faith. Ultimately, followers of Jesus are called to live by the “royal law” of loving our neighbors, because “mercy triumphs over judgment.”