Discrimination goes against the Bible’s call to love and value all people as made in God’s image. Scripture teaches us to treat others with kindness and fairness. Today, we’ll examine what God’s Word says about combating discrimination and showing Christ-like love to everyone.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Discovery
What Does The Bible Say About Discriminating
James 2:1
“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of treating everyone equally and without discrimination. As believers, we are called to love and accept all people, regardless of their background or social status.
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.”
In Christ, all distinctions of race, social status, and gender are removed. This verse emphasizes the unity and equality that we have in Jesus Christ, highlighting the importance of not discriminating against anyone based on these differences.
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 serves as a reminder that God does not discriminate based on nationality or race. It is a call for us to follow His example and treat all people equally, without favoritism or prejudice.
Romans 2:11
“For God does not show favoritism.”
This verse reaffirms that God is impartial and does not discriminate. As His followers, we should reflect this characteristic by treating others with fairness and equality, regardless of their differences.
1 Peter 3:8
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.”
This verse calls believers to unity and compassion. Discrimination goes against the very essence of love and compassion. We should strive to treat others with empathy and understanding, showing them the love of Christ.
Leviticus 19:15
“Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.”
God’s commandments are clear: we should not show partiality or favoritism to anyone. This verse serves as a reminder to uphold justice and fairness in our interactions with others, regardless of their social standing.
Colossians 3:25
“Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.”
This verse assures that there will be no favoritism when it comes to God’s judgment. Discrimination contradicts God’s nature and goes against His commandment to love one another.
Deuteronomy 10:17-19
“For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.”
This passage reminds us of God’s character and His call to love and show compassion to those who are marginalized or different. Discrimination goes against God’s nature and His commandment to care for the vulnerable in society.
Proverbs 22:2
“Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all.”
This verse highlights the equality we all possess in the eyes of God. Regardless of our economic status, we are all created by God and worthy of equal respect and dignity.
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.”
The golden rule teaches us to treat others the way we want to be treated. Discrimination violates this principle and disregards the inherent value and worth of each person.
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.”
Through the Holy Spirit, we are united as one body in Christ, regardless of our cultural or social backgrounds. Discrimination undermines this unity and disrupts God’s plan for His people.
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.”
Love is the hallmark of discipleship. Discrimination and prejudice stand in direct opposition to Christ’s command to love one another as He has loved us.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
This verse reminds us to be kind and compassionate towards others, offering forgiveness as God has forgiven us. Discrimination does not align with the kindness and compassion exemplified by Christ.
Isaiah 58:6-7
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”
This passage reveals that God desires us to break the bonds of injustice and stand against discrimination. God calls us to offer practical help and support to those in need, treating them with dignity and compassion.
Luke 6:31
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Commonly known as the “Golden Rule,” this verse teaches us to treat others with fairness and respect, just as we desire to be treated. Discrimination violates this fundamental principle and undermines our relationships with one another.
Proverbs 28:21
“To show partiality is not good—yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread.”
Partiality and discrimination are condemned in this verse. We are called to resist the temptation to show favoritism or discriminate against others for personal gain or advantage.
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
This verse encourages us to treat others with love, respect, and honor. Discrimination belittles and devalues individuals, but as followers of Christ, we are called to uplift and honor one another.
Psalm 82:3-4
“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
This psalm highlights the responsibility we have to defend and protect those who are vulnerable and marginalized. Discrimination goes against this biblical mandate to stand up for justice and care for the oppressed.
1 Timothy 5:21
“I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.”
Paul’s charge to Timothy reminds us of our obligation to uphold the instructions of God without showing partiality or favoritism. Discrimination has no place in the life of a believer.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
Discrimination, rooted in despising or looking down on others, is considered sinful in this verse. On the other hand, blessing is promised to those who show generosity and compassion to the poor and marginalized.
Titus 2:7-8
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.”
As believers, we are called to lead by example, showing integrity and fairness in all our dealings. Discrimination tarnishes our witness and can give others a reason to speak against the gospel.
1 Samuel 16:7
“But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.'” “
This verse serves as a reminder that God does not judge based on outward appearance or societal measures of worth. Discrimination based on physical appearance or superficial qualities goes against God’s perspective, which seeks to understand the heart.
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
This proverb highlights the importance of showing kindness and compassion to those in need. Discrimination against the poor or marginalized disobeys God’s call to lend a helping hand and love our neighbors as ourselves.
Proverbs 17:15
“Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent— the LORD detests them both.”
This verse reminds us that injustice, including discrimination, is detestable to God. As followers of Christ, we should strive to promote justice, fairness, and equality in our interactions and dealings with others.
Discrimination has no place in the life of a believer. The Bible is clear in its teachings that God does not show favoritism and expects us to love one another as He has loved us. These verses remind us of the importance of treating all people with dignity, respect, and fairness, regardless of their background or social status. Discrimination goes against the fundamental principles of love, justice, and unity that are central to the message of the Bible. As followers of Christ, we are called to be a light in this world, breaking the chains of injustice, and demonstrating the love of God to all people. May we strive to eliminate discrimination in all its forms and embrace the unity and equality found in Jesus Christ.