Dealing with the Uncomfortable

James 2:1-13 (NLT) 

Luke 6:33 (NLT) 

    And if you do good only to those who do good to you, is that so wonderful? Even sinners do that much!

By honoring someone just because of their personality, status and chemistry, we are making appearance more important than character.

Mark 12:31 (NLT) 

    The second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these."

1. Our relationship with others is ultimately an issue of perception which is filtered through our heart

Luke 11:34 (NIV) 

    Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness.

Proverbs 2:3 (NJB) 

    yes, if your plea is for clear perception, if you cry out for understanding,

2. Be just and fair as we try as best as possible to evaluate and treat others, even our enemies, from God’s perspective of what is right

Proverbs 21:3 (NLT) 

    The Lord is more pleased when we do what is just and right than when we give him sacrifices.

James 2:1 (NIV) 

    My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism.

Leviticus 19:15 (NIV) 

    " 'Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.

Focus on the potential good of the other person instead of what they lack

Luke 19:5, 7 (NLT) 

    When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. "Zacchaeus!" he said. "Quick, come down! For I must be a guest in your home today."…But the crowds were displeased. "He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner," they grumbled.

John 7:24 (NIV) 

    Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment."

3. Be compassionate and merciful

Col. 3:12 (NIV) 

    Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

"As compassion decreases, criticism increases. As compassion increases, criticism decreases."

Luke 23:34 (NIV) 

    Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

Col. 3:13 (NLT) 

    You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Matthew 12:20 (NIV) 

    A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory.