2 My brothers, do not show favoritism as you hold on to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ.
The heading in my Bible for the next several verses is, “The Sin of Favoritism”. Why would favoritism be a sin? Why is James addressing this and why is it important today?
Definition: the practice of giving unfair preferential treatment to one person or group at the expense of another.
The term: “show favoritism” is mentioned 3 additional times in the New Testament:
- Romans 2:11, “There is no favoritism with God.”
- Ephesians 6:9, “And masters, treat your slaves the same way, without threatening them, because you know that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.”
- Colossians 3:25, “For the wrongdoer will be paid back for whatever wrong he has done, and there is no favoritism.”
Favoritism hurts peoples feelings!
We see favoritism every day. It is manifested in our homes, in our businesses, in our churches, and our government. When we treat someone preferentially at someone else’s expense it is harsh and unnecessary and a sin. As Christians, we are called to be better examples and God was impartial, so that is our example.
Can you imagine what a difference it would make in our homes, businesses, churches, and lives if we truly started seeing and treating everyone equally as God’s creation?
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jas 2:1).(Ro 2:11).(Eph 6:9).Col 3:25) Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
