Favoritism is a serious issue that plagues the church like a cancer, as highlighted in James 2:1-13. It’s more than just an innocent preference; it is a sin that undermines the core values of our faith and goes against God’s character. Here are four reasons why favoritism is so detrimental:
1. It Creates Sinful Divisions
Favoritism is a sinful bias that judges others based on outward appearances or circumstances—like economic status, race, or social standing. James presents a scenario where a wealthy person is given special treatment over a poor person. This partiality creates divisions in the church, undermining the unity God desires for His people. It contradicts the teaching that all humans are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), deserving equal dignity, value, and respect.
By showing favoritism, we place worldly standards above God’s standards, prioritizing material wealth or social status over spiritual worth. This act of partiality puts us in the position of judges with “evil thoughts,” which James condemns. Favoritism isn’t just unfair; it’s an attack on the equality and unity that should characterize the body of Christ.
2. It Rejects God’s Choice
James reminds believers that God often chooses those who are poor in the world’s eyes to be rich in faith and heirs of His kingdom. Favoritism disregards God’s preference for the humble and lowly, shunning those whom He has chosen. Jesus consistently uplifted the poor, the marginalized, and the outcasts, flipping society’s values on their head. He taught that the poor in spirit are blessed and that their reward is in heaven.
When believers show partiality, they turn their backs on God’s values and align themselves with worldly standards. James challenges the church to reconsider their behavior, asking why they would favor the rich—often those who exploit and blaspheme against God’s name—over those who are more likely to receive the message of Christ.
3. It Violates God’s Law
Favoritism is not just a poor attitude; it is a direct violation of God’s law to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18). This command, often called the “Royal Law,” was emphasized by Jesus as a summary of the entire law (Matthew 22:37-39). Showing favoritism fails to uphold this command, making us transgressors.
James warns against seeing favoritism as a lesser sin. In God’s eyes, breaking one part of the law is akin to breaking all of it, like a shattered mirror. Whether it’s favoritism, lying, or murder, all make us lawbreakers. This means that favoritism should be seen with the same seriousness as any other sin because it contradicts the call to love impartially.
4. It Undermines God’s Mercy
Favoritism also fails to reflect the mercy that God has shown to us. James instructs believers to “speak and act as those who are to be judged by the law of freedom.” As recipients of God’s mercy through Christ, we are called to extend mercy to others. Favoritism, however, is a form of judgment that lacks compassion and empathy.
Jesus taught that those who show mercy will receive mercy (Matthew 5:7). James warns that if we judge others without mercy, we will face judgment without mercy. This principle of reaping what we sow calls believers to act with kindness and fairness toward all people. Favoritism replaces mercy with judgment, undermining the heart of the gospel.
Conclusion
Favoritism is so harmful because it rebels against God’s choice, violates His law, and contradicts His call to show mercy. As believers, we are to model our lives after Jesus, who welcomed and uplifted the lowly. When we recognize the mercy God has shown us, we are compelled to reject favoritism and live out the Royal Law of loving our neighbors equally, proving the reality of our faith.
Have you seen this play out in your own life? Would you agree? Let us know in the comments below!
