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The first lesson narrates the events that unfold when David returns to Jerusalem after the plot of Absalom to make himself king and after the death of Absalom.
Before now, David had sought Mephibosheth, being the only survivor of the house of Saul and Jonathan’s son. David kept his oath to Jonathan and restored the inheritance of Saul to Mephibosheth.
David demanded that the land be farmed by Ziba and his sons, for Mephibosheth.
Ziba seemed unwilling to serve his master's grandson. Hence, he betrayed and slandered Mephibosheth to King David and the King transferred the properties to him (2 Sam 16:1-4)
Mephibosheth explained his part of the story when King David returned to Jerusalem, and King David again authorized both to share the property.
However, Mephibosheth would not retake their inheritance.
Mephibosheth has grieved the condition of the fleeing king and was satisfied by the king’s safe return.
In the second lesson, James addressed the church about putting the word into practice, which favoritism violates.
Unfair preferential treatment of people and judging based on external appearance is forbidden.
James cites the examples of receiving guests in their meetings with the appearance of being poor and rich.
Honoring the rich at the expense of the poor contrasts with the attitude of God, who chooses poor people to belong to his kingdom.
They can be poor but rich in faith and love the Lord.
James also added that the rich who receive preference are more positioned to exploit people and even persecute the church.
Rather, the church should follow the royal law “Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself”.
Treating one person as more important than another is a sin.
And also, remember to show mercy in everything you say and do.