My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism.

                                                                                                                        James 2:1 

It is not uncommon to run into people who “hold their faith…with an attitude of personal favoritism.” But exactly what does this mean? An attitude of favoritism is to believe that those who are of wealth and power should be treated differently than those of lowly means. This favoritism can manifest itself in the recognition of those who achieve (in the eyes of man) while ignoring those who seem less honorable (again, in the eyes of man). But with God, there is no favoritism in that He is “not a respecter of persons” (Romans 2:11, Ephesians 6:9). Consider the following invitations to come to Christ:

For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.

                                                                                                                        John 3:17 

Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” 

                                                                                                                     John 7:37-38 

And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself. 

                                                                                                John 12:32 

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.  

                                                                                                   Matthew 11:28 

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 

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost. 

                                                                                                            Revelation 22:17 

For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.

                                                                                                                           John 6:40 

The instructions that we find in scripture regarding our behavior are to be a demonstration of what God has or is already willing to do Himself. We are to love others because He loves us (1 John 4:7). We are to forgive because God is willing to forgive our sin (Matthew 6:14-15). We are to show mercy because He Himself is merciful (Luke 6:36). And likewise, we are to avoid having an attitude of personal favoritism because with God, there is no favoritism.

There is no room in the church for spiritual arrogance, condescending attitudes, and a judgmental spirit. Rather when we treat others with patience and kindness regardless of their social, ethnic, or economic standing, we are following the example that God has set for us in scripture and proving ourselves to be those who do not, “hold their faith…with an attitude of personal 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 and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

                                                                                                                   James 2:8-9