1My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. James 2:1 NKJV
Partiality or favouritism can ruin relationships. God is never shows any sign of this to any of us. Let's face it, it would devastate our whole relationship with Him. But many people - possibly ourselves at times, show favouritism to people. It may be in our family, where one gets more attention and favour than the other receives. This is a root for jealousy to give birth. We may also have our favourites within a church circle. I'm not discussing friendship here, this is different. We have best friends, this just comes naturally. But we can and probably do, show love and favour to people who are not so close to us.
What we are saying here, is showing individuals or groups special treatment. This can happen where someone wants to impress the individual or any onlooker. They receive better treatment that others would ordinarily receive. Take a look at James 2:2-4:
2For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, 3and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or, “Sit here at my footstool,”4have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?
It can happen when a person who is living rough on the streets turns up at church. He or she, may be frowned on or given a wide berth because of their clothes, body odour or general appearance. They could be turned away because of this. I know of a pastor who was asked by his superiors to hold two different services - 'one for the people and another for these down and outs'. (Please excuse the derogatory statement). Thankfully, he refused. People may not want someone like this sitting next to them and may take offence. It is a difficult situations but we must honour God and do what Jesus would do.
We should never look down on or judge such people. We don't know what has brought them to this type of lifestyle. Yes, they may have a dodgy background and be a risk. But good leadership should kick in on these situations. One the surface, they should never be turned away.
Just think, we may be turning away an angel who has come to visit us Hebrews 13:1-2.
Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard.
If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:
Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.
In Jesus' Name. Amen'
dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com
If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk
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