Show No Partiality

By David R. Ferguson

    It is an undeniable truth that life is not fair. Oftentimes we see firsthand how those less qualified receive a job promotion, while those much more deserving are passed over. But just because the world is not fair does not give Christians permission to treat others unfairly. On the contrary, we have many passages of Scripture that teach otherwise.
    James, the Lord’s brother, teaches of the sin of partiality by showing how wrong it is to favor someone new to our assembly simply based upon the clothing one wears. He then states, “But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors” (James 2:9 [NAS]). James and the Apostle Paul both point out that we should model our lives and treat others as God does, by judging their actions righteously, and to do so without partiality. Paul writes in Romans 2:9-11 [NAS], ⁹ There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek, ¹⁰ but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. ¹¹ For there is no partiality with God.
    The Prophet Micah sums it up nicely when he writes, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8 [NAS])

- David R. Ferguson preaches for the Lakeland Church of Christ in Mattoon, IL.  He may be contacted through the congregation's Facebook page.