Read: James 1:19-2:26
Verses selected for reflection: James 2:1-7
My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 2 For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, 3 and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” 4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? 6 But you have dishonoured the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?
Reflect
The Apostle James was writing a letter to believers who were persecuted for the faith. Some of these believers were on the run. Some of these believers managed to settle in communities but they were facing internal conflicts. In particular, James spoke on how faith without works is a form of "dead faith". This has to do with how we can apply the word of God in our daily living; which involves our relationship with one another.
When it comes to relating to one another, one of the issues the church was facing, was the issue of partiality. James considered partiality not only as a sin but as a kind of judgement on other people with "evil thoughts". At that time, partiality was practised when believers provided unfair treatment in favour of those who were seemingly wealthy. Whereas for those seemingly poor, they were treated shabbily. James reminded that God is impartial and in order to shame the wise, He had even chosen those poor in the world to be rich in faith.
Reflect
I believe most of us struggle with the sin of partiality. After all, we are born to be relational and we have the tendency to treat those we like better. Some would even say that it is a natural or even an "Asian" thing to do. To some extent, there is really nothing wrong with wanting to hang out with people whom we can talk to more. However, it is not right if we show inconsistency in how we treat one person from another.
Most of us might not treat a wealthier person differently. However, we might consciously or unconsciously show favouritism to persons whom we consider as "friend". We might show partiality to people whom we have a better personal relationship with. This can show up in various ways. Such as:
1. Expecting good work or diligence from one person; but being more "gracious" to another.
2. Expecting consequences for a wrongdoing from one person; but turn a blind eye to the offence of another.
3. Believing in the words of one person more than the other without query or investigation or just because the other person is less of a "friend".
4. Passing early judgment on one person just because he or she is a ex-offender or someone you did not really "like".
We need keep in mind that we serve an impartial God. When we show partiality, we are not witnessing for the sake of the Gospel. We are not being fair to the persons we are called to love.
Worse, we might even cause unnecessary harm or trouble to others based on whom we choose to favour. For in the midst of our favouritism, the one favoured might not strive to do what is good and right. As a result, more people might suffer or even be hurt because of this. Partiality can and usually has a ripple effect.
When Jesus was on earth, He showed no partiality at all, even towards His closest disciples. He rebuked both His disciples and Pharisees alike. In the end, everyone chose to abandon Him; but He abandoned no one. He died for anyone who would believe.
Hence, in our daily living, whether at our workplace, family or ministry, we must not show any forms of partiality. As far as God is concerned, it is a sin that can cause hurt to others. Let us therefore, be courageous to do what is good and right in God's sight; even if this means making difficult decisions upon someone whom we regarded as "friend".
Rest
O Lord, My Rock and My Redeemer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpELMk4-3n8
Jason
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