Favoritism

November 10

Ezekiel 25-27

Psalm 119:145-152

Proverbs 27:5-6

James 2:1-13

Favoritism

“If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin, being convicted by law as transgressors.”  James 2:8-9  LSB

Satan loves to create division and tear us apart.  He hates the unity and love that should be characteristic of the Body of Christ and will do everything in his power to destroy it.  This passage is specifically addressing partiality based on wealth, but it can just as easily be applied to anything that is used to divide and separate. “There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:4-6 LSB   The Holy Spirit dwelling within all believers creates a bond that is difficult to describe or understand but it is evident.  People of different races, different cultures, different socioeconomic backgrounds, and different life experiences can share a love and kinship that is only explained by the power of God.  We have more in common with fellow believers than we have with friends and family members who do not know Christ.  There is a shared purpose, understanding and calling that creates unity and a deep affection.  “Behold, how good and how pleasant is it for brothers to dwell together in unity!”  Psalm 133:1 LSB   “Above all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.  And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body, and be thankful.” Colossians 3:14-15 LSB 

Unfortunately, we are human and we do not always do what we should.  Satan is hard at work to create division.  He knows that if he can cause animosity and stir up conflict, he can keep us from being effective in the world.  Discrimination, favoritism and partiality based on race, sex, age, culture, economic status or any other external divider is evil and disgusting in God’s sight.  Romans 2:11 says, “For there is no partiality with God.” LSB    Revelation 7:9 explains, “After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; and they cry out with a loud voice saying, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’” LSB   “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”  Galatians 3:27-28 LSB   God does not show favoritism.  The gospel is available to all and everyone who believes in His Son and has faith in Him will spend eternity together in Heaven. As believers we should ask God to reveal any partiality that exists in our hearts so that we can experience the unity within the Body that He desires.