In today’s world, partiality seems not only reasonable but also practical. We often find ourselves drawn to those who are wealthy, respectable, or influential, believing that treating them favorably might somehow benefit us. But the book of James challenges this notion head-on, calling us to question our assumptions and rethink how we treat people, regardless of their social or economic status — especially as Christians. The message is clear: partiality has no place in the kingdom of God. In fact, it contradicts the very heart of the Gospel and undermines the unity and peace Christ came to establish.
Partiality Seems Practical – But Is It?
At first glance, showing partiality toward the wealthy and powerful may seem reasonable. They are successful, after all. But James confronts this thinking directly, asking, “Who takes you to court? Who oppresses people?” It is primarily the wealthy, not the poor.
Beyond respectability, there is also the perceived benefit. Perhaps, we think, associating with the wealthy or influential will elevate our own status. If we’re seen with the right people, it might make us look better. Our gatherings might seem more prestigious, our opportunities might increase. But this kind of thinking, while natural in the world’s eyes, stands in direct opposition to the kingdom of God.
Kingdom Values vs. Worldly Values
The world operates on a system of partiality and favoritism. It seems natural to treat some people with more honor and respect because of their wealth, status, or connections. But as Christians, we are called to live by a different standard — one that reflects the values of God’s kingdom, not the world’s.
James warns us that partiality is no small thing. It reflects something deep inside of us that needs the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. When we give in to partiality, we are not merely making a social faux pas; we are actively contradicting God’s law and distorting key doctrines of our faith.
Four Dangers of Partiality
1. Contradicting God's Law of Love
At its core, partiality violates God’s command to love our neighbor as ourselves. Leviticus 19:15 commands us to show no favoritism, stating, “You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor.” In the same vein, James 2:8 reminds us that we fulfill the royal law when we love our neighbor without discrimination. When we show partiality, we are judging people’s worth based on external factors, not according to God’s love for them.
2. Disregarding the Doctrine of Justification
One of the fundamental truths of our faith is that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our works or status. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes this truth: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” When we show partiality, we are essentially saying that some people have more worth based on their wealth or status. This distorts the doctrine of justification, which tells us that all are equal before God, saved by His grace alone.
3. Minimizing the Doctrine of Vocation
God calls each of us to different roles and vocations within the body of Christ. As Ephesians 4:11-13 explains, God gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry. Each person has a unique calling and is gifted by God for a purpose. When we show partiality, we disregard the fact that every person, regardless of their social or economic status, has a role to play in God’s kingdom.
4. Undermining the Witness of Christian Unity
Jesus’ prayer in John 17:20-23 is for the unity of His followers. He prays that we may be one, just as He and the Father are one, so that the world may believe that God sent Him. Favoritism disrupts this unity. When we make distinctions among ourselves based on wealth or status, we create divisions that undermine the witness of the body of Christ. Galatians 3:28 reminds us that in Christ, “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” The unity of the church is a powerful testimony to the world, and partiality threatens to destroy that witness.
The Personal Cost of Partiality
Partiality doesn’t just damage our relationships with others and our witness as a church — it also steals our inner peace. Jesus calls us to live in the freedom of His grace, where we no longer need to judge others or be judged by the standards of the world. But when we show partiality, we begin to see ourselves through the same lens of judgment. How we treat others will inevitably reflect back on how we think others are judging us — and even how we think God is judging us.
Matthew 7:1-2 warns, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.” When we judge others based on external factors, we set ourselves up for judgment, both from others and from ourselves. Partiality can even poison our understanding of the Gospel, making us believe that God’s love is conditional when, in reality, it is freely given to all.
Fighting the Temptation of Partiality
So how do we fight against the temptation of partiality in our lives? It starts with awareness. Recognizing the dangers of partiality is a crucial first step. We must ground ourselves in the doctrine of justification by grace through faith, reminding ourselves that our worth — and the worth of every person — comes from God alone.
Prayer and reflection are essential. We need to examine our hearts and ask ourselves why we are drawn to show favoritism. As Romans 14:23 reminds us, “whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” We must root our actions in faith, not in societal standards or personal gain.
Finally, we must remind ourselves of the words of Jesus: “Blessed are the poor” (Matthew 5:3). The wealthy may seem to have it all, but they are in a precarious spiritual position. Jesus warns that it is difficult for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:23-26). Our task is to see every person as a beloved child of God, regardless of their status, and to treat them with the love, dignity, and respect they deserve.
Partiality may seem practical, but it is a spiritual danger. It contradicts God’s law of love, disregards the doctrine of justification, minimizes the doctrine of vocation, and undermines the unity of the body of Christ. Strive to live in the freedom of Christ, showing no partiality, but treating every person as God’s beloved. As Jesus reminds us in Matthew 25:40, “As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”