James 2:9 (KJV)
But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
Partiality is an unfair bias in favor of one thing or person compared with another. It also means favoritism or preferential treatment. It’s clear throughout the Scriptures that any expression of favoritism is wrong and likely to produce disastrous consequences. Partiality leads to discrimination, leading to injustice. Acts 10:34 says, “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:” Favoritism is an abomination in the sight of God. In other words, there is no favoritism with God, and He is fair in judgment. God created us in His own image, and as His image bearers, we are to treat everyone equally without favoritism. Playing favoritism, in or out of the church, is always sinful. Love others, but not all are always disobedient to God. As Christians, we must draw and hold a distinct line of being fair in all our dealings with one another. While we must not accept everyone’s choices as good and righteous, we must love everyone with the undeserved and unmerited love that we received from God.
Discriminating against people based on race, affluence, and success is a worldly practice that should not be a part of the church. Preferential treatment based on wealth, clothing, or position displeases God. It is evil because it leads to divisions, conspiracy, envy, hatred, and unhealthy competition among the people of God. It is also an action not motivated by love but by an unjustified desire to benefit from others. Many tend to form judgments based on race, selfish, personal 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 look through their preconceptions to understand the issue impartially. The same is true of our social relationships at work, school, and in civic life. Leaders in workplaces must often act in the role of a fair judge. We may witness injustice in the workplace and legitimately question whether or not it is appropriate to get involved. However, proactively standing in favor of the mistreated is an essential element that belongs to God’s holy people. While there is nothing wrong with being rich or respecting highly placed people, it is wrong to use it as the basis for giving them first-place attention.
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.