The writer of the letter of James criticises the act of favouritism that some Christians naturally show to successful and influential people. He argues that such an attitude is wrong. He explains that God is impartial, and therefore, all Christians, regardless of their social or economic backgrounds, share equal status in the Church. It means that Christians have to evaluate how they treat the rich compared to the poor.

In the Christian tradition, the poor are seen as "blessed". They, too, are included in God's election of His people. Christians have to imitate God's actions in their attitude and behaviour towards all people. In contrast to favouritism, a Christian has to act rightly by keeping the law of the Kingdom: to love God and love one another.

The world, at large, generally judges people based on their external appearances, wealth, positions of authority and fame. How about us? Do we judge by the world's standards or by Christ's standards? For example, Peter became very upset when Jesus proclaimed that the Son of Man had to suffer and be rejected. Peter had expected a leader who would deliver the people of Israel from pain and suffering, and not one who himself would experience pain and death. In response, Jesus rebukes Peter because Peter uses the world's standards to judge the Messiah's mission.

Do we judge others by the world's standards or by Christ's standards?