My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. James 2:1 (KJV)

My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. James 2:1 (New International Version, NIV)

My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? James 2:1 (New Living Translation, NLT)

Favoritism is defined by the Meriam Webster Dictionary as the showing of special favor, partiality. Respecter of persons, as noted in the King James Version of James 2:1, in the original Greek language according to E.W. Vine, denotes respect of persons, or partiality. It is the fault of one who, when responsible to give judgment, has respect to the position, rank, popularity, or circumstances of men, instead of thier intrinsic conditions- preferring the rich and powerful to those who are not so. In other words, respect of persons means to show favoritism because of who someone is or what they have.

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: Acts 10:34 (KJV)

God is the Great Equalizer, and as such, He does not show favoritism. He also does not want us to show favoritism to others. God treats us all the same, loves us all the same, extends grace and mercy to us all the same. What God does for one, He is willing and able to do for all.

My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. James 2:1-10 (KJV)

In James 2, we are given details of what favoritism is and how those who express favoritism treat the rich better than the poor. This is just one example. Jesus set an example for us in how to treat all people as equal. We are to love and serve them. We are to give to them, not seeing what we can get from them. We are not to treat one person one way and and another person another way.

If we respect one person over another based on their status in life, we sin. We are to act and speak based on God’s written Word. We must do unto others as we would have them do unto us- then we will wrong no one. We will treat all people the same, no matter their age, status, race, etc.

As we are merciful to others, God will be merciful to us- in this life and at the judgment. Don’t show respect or favoritism. Don’t be partial in how you treat people, but base your actions on the Word of God. In this way, you’ll keep your heart right and you’ll treat all people right.