Partiality/Are you Partial?

My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? James 2:1 (NLT)

Reading this chapter in the book of James really challenged me. It made me ask myself: Am I really fair in my dealings with others either in or outside the church? Are my dealings free of partiality and prejudice?

James gave an example of two types of people (rich and poor) attending a church meeting and how they are treated differently because of their appearances. He then goes on to say: “Doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?” (Verse 4, NLT)

It might be easy to say, I treat both the rich and poor alike, but this passage is much more than that. How do you treat people who are different from you? People from different cultural backgrounds, those with disabilities, those less privileged in their education or even Christians with a slightly different point of view from yours?

Are you one of those who are only eager to help those you know well in the church or community, while others are ignored? “Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law.” (Verses 8-9, NLT)

Our God is not partial, and He is a good God. “Do you only love people who love you? God will not give you good things just for doing that. Even the men who take taxes love their friends! If you are only kind to your friends, then you are not doing anything special. Even people who do not believe in God do that. So you must be good in every way, as your Father above is good in every way.” Matthew 5:46-48 (EASY)

The Christmas season is a reminder that God’s gift—Jesus Christ—was given to all mankind. “But the angel reassured them. ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!’” Luke 2:10-11 (NLT)

So this Christmas, extend a hand of love to someone or a family that you wouldn’t normally. And always be ready to support anyone who needs it, no matter who they might be. “Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.” Galatians 6:10 (NLT)

Stay blessed,

LaraLex