Would you show special attention to the one who is wearing fine clothes? Would you say, "Here's a good seat for you"? Would you say to the poor person, "You stand there"? Or "Sit on the floor by my feet"?
My dear brothers and sisters, listen to me. Hasn't God chosen those who are poor in the world's eyes to be rich in faith? Hasn't he chosen them to receive the kingdom? Hasn't he promised it to those who love him?
The royal law is found in Scripture. It says, "Love your neighbor as you love yourself."--(Leviticus 19:18) If you really keep that law, you are doing what is right.
God said, "Do not commit adultery."--(Exodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 5:18) He also said, "Do not commit murder."--(Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17) Suppose you don't commit adultery but do commit murder. Then you have broken the Law.
Suppose one of you says to them, "Go. I hope everything turns out fine for you. Keep warm. Eat well." And you do nothing about what they really need. Then what good have you done?
That is what Scripture means where it says, "Abraham believed God. God accepted Abraham because he believed. So his faith made him right with God."--(Genesis 15:6) And that's not all. God called Abraham his friend.
Didn't God make even Rahab the prostitute right with him? That's because of what she did. She gave the spies a place to stay. Then she sent them off in a different direction.