Today’s Reading:
James 2:1-5
“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favouritism; But if you show favouritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.” (vv. 1, 9 NIV)
Favouritism is the practice of giving unfair or preferential treatment to one person or group, at the expense of another, especially of equal claims. It means partiality, unfairness, inequality, and it amounts to discrimination.
In Today’s reading passage verses 2-4, Apostle James describes a typical scene in which favouritism is portrayed. Talking, to the people around him then, he asked them to suppose that a man came into their meeting place, well dressed in fine clothes and with a gold ring on his finger. Also, another man came who was poor, in old filthy clothes. Apostle James then challenged the people that if they showed special attention to the well-dressed man, giving him a good seat, but asking the poorly dressed man to stand at a corner or even asked to sit on the floor, then they would have discriminated among the two men. This, Apostle James said would amount to favouritism. He then explained and reminded the people that, does God not choose those who are poor in the eyes of the world, to be rich in faith, and are made to inherit the kingdom God promised for those who love him. The Scriptures severally speak of one of the characteristics of God, like fairness. That is, being impartial, rating everyone equally, no discrimination against any. As Jesus went about in his earthly ministry, he performed all the miracles without reference to nationality or tribe or culture. He dealt with all people equally. In Rom. 2:11, it is said that God does not show favouritism, and neither did Jesus when he was on earth.
Favouritism has become common in our days, and it is shown in such areas as parental (among children by parents), in the workplace, in government especially nepotism (partiality towards relatives or friends by those in power): tribal and societal. The negative/ evil effects of favouritism include unhealthy competition, a decrease in morale at workplaces, discouragement, lowered standard, loss of self-esteem, the killing of initiatives, and so on. Ultimately, if not checked, it results in corruption in general.
Why is favouritism a sin?
Many people do not consider favouritism a sin. However, James 2:9 categorically calls it a sin. A sin is anything that displeases God, anything against God’s Word and character. The fact that God does not show favouritism (Rom 2:110 means that he hates it. Also, because it is tantamount to lack of love for a fellow man, qualifies it as a sin.
We are to hate what God hates, therefore do not show/ practice favouritism, it is a sin.
CHRISTY KUPOLUYI
Prayer:
Father, help us to see favouritism as you see it, a sin.
O Lord, teach us to hate what you hate and love what you love.
Father, help us to treat everyone equally and love them with the measure of love with which you love us.
O Lord, open the eyes of men to all the evil that result from favouritism.
Father, teach us all to love with your agape love.
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