Today I want to engage our Drawing Near to God community in a subject that is not often discussed; showing favoritism. All of us have experienced some form of partiality or favoritism. We might be partial to a certain food or have a favorite recipe. We might have favorite friends or are partial to a certain color or genre of music. The list is endless. James, the author of the book of James, however, brings forward the topic of showing favoritism by valuing certain people over others and even more especially valuing them because of the way that they dress.

My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.² Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. ³ If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” ⁴ have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? (James 4:1-4)

James is making the point that partiality to certain people because they are rich is dishonoring to the poor. He warns of discriminating and passing judgment. He unpacks his message that the rich man has no advantage before God and that we must respect all people. The Merriam-Webster definition of “respecter of persons” is to treat everyone the same.

In our society today we still see partiality. It’s easy to compare those who dress in fine clothes and those in rags and quickly pass judgment. We all do it. But James’ main point is that we tend to take it a step further. We give the best seats in the house to those who are well dressed and of importance, and those who appear less refined we ask to sit at our feet or stand over there.

Let’s look at what other scriptures have to say about this subject:

Peter spoke I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism. (Acts 10)

Paul writes in Romans: For God does not show favoritism. 

As I reflect on these scriptures indicating God does not have favorites, it reminds me that I too must love people; all people; all kinds of people. And to be honest… that makes me happy. I don’t HAVE to I GET to. There are so many amazing people in the world, I do not want to miss out on getting to know them because I am partial to those who are just like me. I am convinced that when God created mankind, He created diversity so that we would have opportunities to learn to love at a deeper level.

This blog comes as we are in week 10 of studying James together in Charleston, SC. If you are not local, reach out to our office to register for an online small group and livestream our weekly teaching by emailing info@drawingneartogod.com. If you are interested in studying this remarkable book of James yourself, consider purchasing our study here.