Read James 2:1-17

In this passage, to “do” our faith means to “do” mercy.

James is more of a preacher than a writer. In one sense, his letter to Jewish Christians is more like a sermon than a letter. His purpose in this sermon is to encourage his readers and us to put our faith into action—to live out our faith in visible, tangible, practical ways. James calls us to “do” our faith (1:22-25). The “big Idea” of this passage is to live out our faith in a way that treats all our brothers and sisters in Christ as equals—not favoring one person or group over another.

Here's a good paraphrase for this passage: As believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, don’t show favoritism. In other words—people who see Jesus as “the Lord of glory” will not show favoritism. They will not determine a person’s worth or value based on outward appearance or based on what the people of this world see as “glory.”

The glory of Jesus is that He gave up His glory so we could be clothed with His glory (cf Phil2). Though He was rich, He became poor for us, that we might become rich through Him. That’s the Gospel, and it’s the only motivation we need to move toward people in need who desire to help them as God gives us the opportunity.