Favoritism Forbidden

"My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?" (James 2:1-7)

Believers in Jesus Christ must not show favoritism/partiality/prejudice. All people are created in God's image and are equal in His eyes. We should never judge people by appearances and/or accomplishments. We should never favor the rich and powerful over the poor and weak. It is inconsistent to hold to the Christian faith and at the same time show partiality. Favoritism is sin, whether the distinction is made over economic, social, educational, physical, political, or national differences. It says in this verse that with evil thoughts, we are deciding that one person is more important than the other (the rich man receives special treatment). 

According to one commentary, "Have you not discriminated among yourselves?" means "Are you not divided?" This division is between profession and practice...between the profession of Christian equality and the deference to status and wealth. By such action, they reveal themselves to be unjust judges with evil thoughts. God wants us to love everyone and makes everyone feel welcome! 

God has chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of His kingdom which He has promised to those who love Him. We're never poor since we have riches/inheritance in Christ. James pointed out why they should not favor the rich. The rich were the ones who have persecuted the Christians (exploiting them, oppressing them and taking them to court) and blasphemed the name of Jesus Christ. Often material prosperity is a hindrance to faith because the rich are tempted to place their security in their wealth rather than in God. We must not dishonor the poor. We must show them the same respect that we show to the rich.

"For God does not show favoritism." (Romans 2:11)
"I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism." (1Timothy 5:21)

Prayer: Abba Father, thank You for loving me unconditionally and for not showing favoritism! Please help me to treat everyone with love, kindness, and respect. Please enable me to live, give, love, and serve like Jesus, to bring hope to the hopeless, and to shine Your light in this world of darkness. In Jesus's Name, I pray. Amen.