Acts 10:34 (KJV)
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.
The cornerstone of our faith is a compelling passage that serves as a powerful reminder of God’s unwavering grace. When Cornelius conveyed his vision to Peter, the apostle responded with conviction, stating, “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” Partiality, or unfair bias in favor of one thing or person over another, is clearly condemned throughout the Scriptures. Any expression of favoritism is wrong and likely to have disastrous consequences. It leads to discrimination and injustice and is considered an abomination in the sight of God. There is no favoritism with God, and He is fair in judgment. As His image bearers, we are called to treat everyone equally without favoritism. Playing favorites, whether in church or elsewhere, is always sinful. As Christians, we must always strive to be fair in all our dealings with one another and love everyone with the undeserved love that we receive from God.
Discriminating against individuals based on race, affluence, and success is a practice that has no place in the church. Showing favoritism due to wealth, attire, or status displeases God. This behavior is detrimental as it fosters division, conspiracy, envy, hatred, and unhealthy competition among God’s people. It is motivated by unjust desires rather than love. Many tend to make judgments based on race and selfish criteria rather than seeing others as God sees them. However, Leviticus 19:15 says, “Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.” Those in a position to judge must strive to set aside their preconceptions and understand the issue impartially. This also applies to our social relationships at work, school, and civic life. Leaders in workplaces often need to act as fair judges. When we witness injustice in the workplace, it’s vital to proactively stand in favor of the mistreated, as this is an essential element that belongs to God’s holy people. While there is nothing wrong with being rich or respecting those in high positions, using wealth or status as the basis for giving them preferential treatment is wrong.
Beloved, God is not a partial God. He does not show favoritism. So, as a true believer, you must not discriminate or be partial. Judge no one by their race, economic, or professional status, but follow the royal law of our Lord Jesus Christ, who treats you equally despite your standing. In Christ Jesus, everyone is equal, and so should be treated. You must treat one another with equal honor and respect. Let the love of God dominate your heart, and this should be supreme in your heart above all other things. Follow Jesus’ example of treating every person with God’s love. Anytime you are called to give a testimony, have it in the back of your mind that biased testimony endangers the life of the accused. Do not judge others by your own standards or show favoritism toward people you like. Be comfortable treating others well. No matter your background, whether rich or poor, socially acceptable or social outcast, well-educated or little education, there is one thing in common: all have been saved by God’s grace! Remember, it was Jacob’s disproportionate love for Joseph that alienated Joseph from his brothers and eventually led to his enslavement.
O Lord, teach me not to show partiality or favoritism in Jesus’ Name.