The Sin of Partiality

“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. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment,” James 2:1-13.

This section of scripture deals with a problem among the Christians to whom James wrote. The problem was the partiality shown to the wealthy in contrast to the poor. The problem that confronted the saints to whom James wrote is the very problem that the church often faces today. Often times we do not want to admit it, but that does not negate the fact of its existence. What about the times visitors visit and those that are recognized and known are made to feel welcomed. Those that are not known are welcomed by some and ignored by others. While not ignored by all, perhaps they are by a number of others. Another problem that can exist is the exact problem as discussed in James chapter two, the showing special treatment to those who are financially well off, while treating those who are poor as though they are not quite equal or maybe because one is a friend or a family member they receive special treatment that would not be extended to others who are not as close. My friends such things are not to exist.

In the text several things stand out: one, James is dealing with brethren, he is not dealing with those outside the church but within it, Note “My brethren.” Secondly, the problem was partiality or respect of person. Thirdly, the problem addressed was occurring in the assembly. The well off were given special treatment in contrast to the poor. Fourthly, the problem had to do with the wrong attitude among them “Are you not partial in yourselves and become judges of evil thoughts”. It was an attitude that was contrary to the will of God. Fifthly, the partiality shown constituted sin. “But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors” verse nine. Sixthly, those who are guilty of such will be judged accordingly. The problem of partiality or respect of persons is a serious problem if indeed it exists. Showing distain toward others because of age, social standing, or any other reason is sin and must be avoided at all costs.

The word translated “resect of person” in verse one is defined by Strong’s concordance as follows “partiality, i.e. favoritism: KJV – respect of persons” Thayer says regarding the word “partiality, the fault of one who when called on to requite or to give judgment has respect to the outward circumstances of men and not to their intrinsic merits, and so prefers, as the more worthy, one who is rich, high-born, or powerful, to another who is destitute of such gifts:” (Romans 2:11; Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 3:25).

Under the Old Testament covenant such practice was strictly condemned. Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbor” (Leviticus 19:15). (Also Deuteronomy 1:17; 16:19). These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment. (Proverbs 24:23). “To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress” (Proverbs 28:21). The same prohibition is given in the New Testament. All Christians must pay attention to inspiration “ I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality” (1 Timothy 5:21). “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17). By showing partiality one shows the wrong attitude, contempt, an improper love and respect for others.

God is no respecter of person (Acts 10:44-45; Ephesians 6:9; Romans 2:11). We are to be like our Heavenly Father (Matthew 5:48. We cannot be like Him if we show partiality. May the Lord help us to be more like Him.

Bill Cantrell