The Sin of Partiality

 It seems that we are having a huge problem with partiality today. This is true of those of us in the church and those outside of the church. I know that our human nature leads us to be partial in various ways, but today, there is an emphasis on it. Many people believe it is a good thing, instead of being a sin, like the Bible says. Partiality is when we show favor to one person over another person or for one group over another group. It doesn't matter why we would give this favor. It is simply that we are to love everyone as we love ourselves. If we show partiality, we are not showing that love to the ones who are not favored. This is why James was inspired to tell us that if we are committing partiality, we are committing sin, and we are convicted by the law as being transgressors. (James 2:9) I believe this is a very serious sin that leads to many problems for us and for our society.

It is normal for us to like some people more than we like other people. However, we must not allow that attraction to cause us not to love everyone equally. .As believers, we are to love others as Jesus did and does. Jesus loves all people equally, and so should we. If we look down on certain people or groups, we are judging them critically, and that is a sin which Jesus condemned. It never helps to show partiality, even if someone or some group has been treated badly in the past. That partiality only causes the others to be left out and given the wrong message. The way we should correct injustices is to treat all people equally well with the love of Jesus. Therefore, I pray for us to be able to love every person of every nationality, culture, religious background, and ethnic group. I pray we will love the rich just like we love the poor, and we will be willing to help each group with their needs equally, too. That is truly Christ's love, and it is the rejection of the sin of partiality.

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Tomorrow, I intend to read James 3-5.