Discrimination is an issue that challenges the principles of equality and justice. Today, we’ll examine Bible verses that condemn discrimination and promote fairness and inclusivity, encouraging us to confront biases and prejudice.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Missions And Evangelism
Bible Verses About Discrimination
Galatians 3:28
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
This verse emphasizes the equality and unity that believers have in Christ. It challenges the idea of discrimination based on ethnic background, social status, or gender. In Christ, all believers are equal and should be treated with love and respect.
James 2:1-4
“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?”
This passage warns against the sin of favoritism or discrimination based on someone’s appearance or worldly status. God does not show partiality and expects His followers to treat all people with fairness and kindness.
Proverbs 22:2
“Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.”
This verse reminds us that both the rich and the poor are created by God and are equally deserving of dignity and respect. Discrimination based on wealth is contrary to God’s design, and we should strive to treat all people as image-bearers of God.
Acts 10:34-35
“Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.”
Peter’s revelation in this passage highlights God’s impartiality and acceptance of people from every nation and background. Discrimination based on nationality or ethnicity goes against God’s inclusive nature.
Leviticus 19:15
“Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.”
This verse teaches us to avoid unfair treatment towards either the poor or the wealthy. Discrimination based on social class or status is a distortion of justice and is contrary to God’s values.
Romans 2:11
“For God does not show favoritism.”
God’s impartiality is reiterated in this verse. He does not show favoritism or discrimination towards any person, and His followers are called to reflect this attribute in their own relationships and interactions.
1 John 4:20
“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.”
This verse emphasizes the inconsistency of claiming to love God while harboring hate or prejudice towards others. Discrimination is incompatible with genuine love for God and should be rooted out of our hearts.
Proverbs 24:23
“These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judging is not good.”
Showing partiality in judgment is condemned in this proverb. Fairness and impartiality are qualities that align with wisdom, and discrimination undermines the pursuit of justice.
Colossians 3:11
“Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.”
In Christ, all distinctions and divisions are overcome. Discrimination based on ethnic, cultural, or social differences is eradicated through our unity in Christ.
Deuteronomy 1:17
“Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of anyone, for judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case too hard for you, and I will hear it.”
In this verse, God instructs His people to show no partiality in their judgments. As believers, we are called to treat everyone fairly and seek justice for all.
Acts 17:26
“From one man He made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.”
This verse reminds us that God created all nations from one man and is the sovereign ruler over all. Discrimination based on nationality or ethnicity undermines the beautiful diversity that God intentionally established among humanity.
1 Peter 2:17
“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.”
We are instructed to show respect to everyone, regardless of their race, social standing, or beliefs. Discrimination is incompatible with the command to love and respect all people as children of God.
Luke 6:35
“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.”
This verse challenges us to love even those who may discriminate against us. It encourages us to respond with kindness and generosity, reflecting the character of our Heavenly Father.
Exodus 23:9
“Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners because you were foreigners in Egypt.”
The Israelites were commanded to treat foreigners with compassion and empathy, reminding them of their own experience as oppressed foreigners in Egypt. Discrimination towards immigrants or foreigners is contrary to God’s command and His heart for justice.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This proverb highlights the sinfulness of despising or discriminating against our neighbors. Instead, we are called to show generosity and kindness towards those in need, regardless of their background.
Ephesians 6:9
“Masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.”
This verse addresses the issue of discrimination in the context of slavery. It reminds masters to treat their slaves with fairness and respect, recognizing that both master and slave are accountable to the same impartial Master in heaven.
Romans 12:16
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”
This verse encourages believers to pursue harmony and humility in their relationships. Discrimination arises from pride and a distorted sense of superiority, but we are called to show humility and be willing to associate with people from all walks of life.
Matthew 7:12
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Often referred to as the Golden Rule, this verse teaches us to treat others as we would want to be treated. Discrimination violates this principle and fails to show the love and respect that we ourselves desire.
1 Corinthians 12:13
“For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”
In Christ, we are one body, unified by the Holy Spirit. Discrimination based on religious, social, or cultural differences contradicts this unity and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.
Proverbs 28:21
“To show partiality is not good— yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread.”
This proverb warns against the temptation to compromise integrity and fairness for personal gain. It condemns the act of discrimination motivated by greed or self-interest.
Matthew 23:8
“But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers and sisters.”
Jesus teaches that His followers should not seek titles or positions of authority that create divisions or promote discrimination. Instead, we are all equal brothers and sisters united under the authority of one Teacher, Christ Himself.
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done.”
This verse encourages kindness and compassion towards the poor. Discrimination against those in need goes against this principle and misses the opportunity to demonstrate love and generosity to the Lord Himself.
Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”‘
In this passage, Jesus teaches that our treatment of others, particularly the marginalized and disadvantaged, reflects our treatment of Him. Discrimination disregards the inherent worth and dignity of those we discriminate against.
John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”
Jesus’ command to love one another is clear. Discrimination contradicts this command and fails to demonstrate the love of Christ to the world. Loving one another unconditionally is a powerful testament to our faith.
Romans 2:1
“You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself because you who pass judgment do the same things.”
This verse serves as a reminder that we are in no position to judge or discriminate against others. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and recognize our own imperfections before casting judgment on others.
What Does the Bible Say About Discrimination?
As Christians, we believe that the Bible teaches us to love and treat others as we would want to be treated. Discrimination goes against the core teachings of the Bible because it involves treating certain people unfairly or unfavorably based on factors such as race, ethnicity, social status, or gender.
The Bible emphasizes the principle of equality and the inherent worth of every individual, as we are all created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Discrimination violates this fundamental truth and is contrary to the command to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31). In Galatians 3:28, the apostle Paul confirms that in Christ, there is no distinction between people based on these factors, emphasizing unity and equality in God’s eyes.
Throughout the New Testament, we see Jesus actively breaking down social and cultural barriers, reaching out to people who were marginalized or oppressed. He demonstrated love, compassion, and acceptance for all, regardless of their background. As His followers, we are called to do the same.
The Bible condemns favoritism and partiality, reminding us that God shows no partiality and expects us to do the same (Romans 2:11, James 2:1-4). We are called to show kindness and mercy to all, without discrimination or prejudice.
In summary, the Bible teaches us to love one another, to treat each other with respect and dignity, and to reject discriminatory attitudes and actions. As followers of Christ, we are urged to promote inclusivity, equality, and justice in our interactions with others, just as God has shown us the same grace and love without discrimination.