No Partiality
There is a sin that has greatly fragmented society and weakened the Church and yet is often tolerated or at times even promoted. This is the sin of partiality. James says it very clearly: “Show no partiality” (2.1), and again, “If you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressor.” (2.9) It can’t be any clearer than that. Showing partiality is a sin. Partiality is the unfair tendency to treat one person, group, or thing better than another. When the first sign of partiality appeared in the Church in Jerusalem, deacons were appointed to assure that each person was treated fairly and that everyone’s needs were met. (Acts 6.1-6) When the Church was threatened with division over the question of requiring Gentiles believers to adhere to Jewish customs and laws, the apostles and elders were convened to resolve this conflict. Peter spoke to the root of the problem by saying that God makes no distinction between Jews or Gentiles; giving to both peoples freely the Holy Spirit. (Acts 15.8-9)
Partiality creates a social “caste” system, where the rich, famous, beautiful, talented, powerful, educated, etc., are considered better than others not so endowed. Partiality separates and divides. It is exclusive, rather than inclusive. Salvation is for all. The Body of Christ is composed of all who have been redeemed by the Blood of Jesus. Each member is important and needed. Paul said to the Corinthians that one should honor even more those who are the weakest. (I Cor. 12.23) How can we reject, despise, ignore or even consider insignificant, those for whom Christ died? This must have been a real problem in the Early Church, seeing how often and through so many different apostles, this subject was addressed in the New Testament.
James nails it on the head. Partiality is sin. He not only makes it a black and white issue, but he builds a case for saying it so bluntly. First, he begins chapter two by emphasizing that showing partiality is inconsistent with our faith. It is inconsistent with the teachings of Christ and incompatible with the example we see in His life. James continues by saying that showing more attention to one person over another is judging with evil thoughts. (v.4) He reminds us that God has chosen the poor to be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom of God. So, if God shows no partiality, why should we?
When we behave in the manner, that James describes as partiality, we are not acting as God’s children. We are blaspheming the “honorable name by which we were called.” (v.7) God is love and showing favoritism violates His nature and is in disobedience to the “Golden Rule”, which is: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (v.8) James makes a very convincing case is saying that when you show partiality you are sinning and in open transgression of God’s law and character.
What is the antidote to cure this disease that has destroyed so many churches and relationships? The first step is repentance for having evil thoughts about others. Then begin to honor everyone. This is to consider others as better than yourself. We are to honor the weak, the different, the immigrant, the ugly, to bad-smelling, the beggar, the poor, the sinner and all those you don’t like. Peter said: “Honor all”. (I Peter 2.17) This is the law of Love and the antidote for favoritism.
Scriptures to meditate on:
Gal. 2.6; James 2.1-10, 3.17; I Tim. 5.21; Rom. 12.10; Acts 10.34; Eph. 5.1; I Peter 2.17