We all do it—often without realizing it. We walk into a room and quickly notice who seems important, familiar, impressive, awkward, or easy to overlook.

In James 2:1–13, James challenges the church to recognize how favoritism can quietly shape the way we see and treat people. The good news of Jesus points us toward something different: mercy.

At Christ’s table, there are no better seats based on money, background, appearance, usefulness, or status. We all come empty-handed, equally dependent on grace—and people who have received mercy are called to give mercy.

There are no VIP seats at the table of grace.

This week, we’ll consider what it looks like to cross the boundaries we naturally create and intentionally move toward someone we might otherwise overlook.