These also are sayings of the wise. To show partiality in judgment is not good. 

                                                                                                         Proverbs 24:23 

Today: Read Proverbs 24

There is no partiality with God (Romans 2:11). To be free from partiality is, by definition, to be impartial. Only God can impartially judge the world because He is free from bias or favoritism. Our passage today reminds us that it is not good when we exercise partiality in judgment. This is challenging since all of us carry bias of some sort or the other.

I am encouraged when I consider that God is not partial. Knowing that our Creator views all of humanity in the same way is of the highest order of justice and love. All of us are equally in need of salvation (Romans 3:23) and Christ died for the sins of us all (1 John 2:2). This concept was difficult to receive and offensive to some of the Jews of the first century. This is why Paul wrote the following:

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

                                                                                                            Romans 10:12-13 

Jew or Gentile, male or female, rich or poor, God makes no distinctions between any of these groups rather He is the Lord of all and is abounding in riches for all who call on Him. In addition, salvation and eternal life are also available to everyone who calls on His name. Under the new covenant, the only distinction is between those who believe and those who do not. In other words, life and redemption is for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus while death and judgment are reserved for those who reject Christ. Peter, being a Jew himself, had to learn this lesson as well. In a vision, God demonstrated that the new covenant was even for those once thought of as untouchable. Consider Peter’s words:

Opening his mouth, Peter said: “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him.”

                                                                                                            Acts 10:34-35 

We are all welcome to God through Jesus Christ. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord and confesses the name of Jesus is a part of God’s kingdom (Romans 10:13, 1 John 4:15). Recognizing the impartiality of God assists us in understanding why we should avoid partiality. Consider the words of James:

My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,” have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives? 

                                                                                                       James 2:1-4 

I would like to say that the church has moved beyond showing favoritism, but I cannot. You will find all manner of favoritism in our world and in the church today. But we are given clear instruction that giving preference to one group of people over another is not what God intended for His church. We live in a culture in which the wealthy and famous tend to draw more attention than the unknown and those of humble means. But scripture paints us a picture that God loves the world (John 3:16), and that everyone matters (1 Timothy 2:4).

So how do we avoid the dangers of partiality?

First, we need to understand that God shows no favoritism. Ignoring this truth can serve as a device for excusing our own prejudice towards others. When we have been wronged, it is tempting to believe that God will preserve us while chastising those who have hurt us (however, we avoid that thought when we are the ones at fault). But God loves the offended and the offender. He desires to see both parties come to know Him, to be healed, and to be given spiritual life.

Secondly, we need to resist adopting the world’s philosophy of dividing people along ethnic, social, and economic lines. The gospel is not specific to any one group. No matter what background or current situation a person might find himself/herself in, the gospel of Jesus has the power to save, heal, redeem, and restore. No person or group of people is exempt from or beyond the life changing power of the cross.

Lastly, the church should unite under the name of Jesus. It has almost become villainous to suggest that believers from different denominations and backgrounds should come together to propagate the gospel to the world. I believe this is largely as a result of an increase in tribalism among the church today. Scripture instructs us that there is only one body of Christ and that there should be no division in the church (Ephesians 4:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-14). I believe that by ignoring these truths, we set ourselves up to fall victim to favoritism.

There is no partiality with God therefore there should be no partiality in the life of a believer.