Favoritism is often seen as unfair, and the Bible agrees. Scripture warns against showing partiality, especially in relationships and community. Let’s take a look at what the Bible teaches about treating everyone with equal respect and love, avoiding favoritism at all costs.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About favor
What Does The Bible Say About favoritism
James 2:1
“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.”
This verse reminds us that as followers of Christ, we are called to treat everyone equally and not show favoritism. This includes not showing favoritism based on social status, wealth, or appearance.
As Christians, we are called to imitate the love and acceptance that Jesus showed to all people. Showing favoritism goes against this commandment and can hinder our witness to others.
Proverbs 28:21
“To show partiality is not good— yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread.”
This verse speaks to the temptation to show favoritism in order to gain personal benefit or advantage. It warns us that even though it may seem tempting and beneficial in the short term, showing partiality is ultimately not good.
As Christians, we should prioritize justice and fairness over personal gain. We should strive to treat all people with dignity and respect, regardless of their status or what they can offer us.
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.”
This passage emphasizes that God Himself does not show favoritism. He accepts people from every nation and background who fear Him and live according to His will.
As followers of a God who loves all people equally, we should strive to reflect this in our own lives. We should treat others without partiality, just as God does.
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 highlights the equality we have in Christ. In Jesus, our differences and divisions cease to be significant. In His eyes, there is no distinction based on race, social status, or gender.
As Christians, we are called to embrace this truth and reject any form of favoritism. We should strive for unity and treat all as equal members of the body of Christ.
Proverbs 24:23
“These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judging is not good.”
This verse reminds us that it is unwise and unjust to show partiality in our judgment of others. It points out that fairness requires us to judge based on the merits of the case, not on personal biases or preferences.
As Christians, we are called to seek justice and righteousness in our interactions with others. We should strive to be fair and impartial in our judgments, just as God is.
Colossians 3:25
“Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.”
This verse assures us that God does not show favoritism when it comes to meting out justice. He will hold everyone accountable for their actions and there will be no preferential treatment based on external factors.
As Christians, we should find comfort in the fact that God’s justice is impartial and fair. This should also serve as a reminder for us to be mindful of our own actions and to treat others justly.
Romans 2:11
“For God does not show favoritism.”
This verse reiterates the truth that God does not show favoritism and is impartial in His dealings with humanity. He treats all people equitably, regardless of their background or status.
As believers, we are called to follow in the footsteps of our impartial God. We should strive to treat others with fairness and equality, just as He does.
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 portrays God as a just and compassionate God who shows no partiality. He cares for the marginalized, defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and shows love to foreigners.
As followers of God, we are called to imitate His character and love those who are in need or marginalized. We should extend compassion and fairness to all, just as God does.
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.”
This verse serves as a solemn charge to believers to uphold fairness and impartiality in their actions. We are called to follow God’s instructions without showing favoritism or bias.
As Christians, we should strive to be above reproach in our dealings with others. We should avoid any form of favoritism and treat all people with equal respect and fairness.
Luke 14:12-14
“Then Jesus said to his host, ‘When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.'”
In this passage, Jesus teaches about the importance of inviting those who are in need to our feasts and gatherings, rather than seeking the company of those who can repay us.
As followers of Jesus, we should be mindful of our intentions and motivations. We should extend hospitality and love to all, regardless of what they can offer us in return.
Proverbs 22:2
“Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.”
This verse reminds us that regardless of our social or economic status, we are all equal in the eyes of God. He created every person, and we all share the same worth and value in His sight.
As Christians, it is important for us to keep this truth in mind and treat others with respect and dignity, regardless of their financial situation.
Ephesians 6:9
“And 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 favoritism in the context of master-slave relationships. It urges masters to treat their slaves with fairness and respect, emphasizing that God does not show favoritism to any person.
As followers of Christ, we should heed this guidance and strive to treat all people with dignity and fairness, regardless of their social status or position.
Proverbs 19:7
“The poor are shunned by all their relatives— how much more do their friends avoid them! Though the poor pursue them with pleading, they are nowhere to be found.”
This verse highlights the unfortunate reality that the poor are often neglected and avoided by those who should be their friends and relatives. It exposes the tendency for people to show favoritism towards the wealthy and neglect the less fortunate.
As Christians, we should challenge this societal norm and actively seek to be a source of love and support for those in need. We should be willing to extend help and friendship to the poor, just as Jesus did during His earthly ministry.
Acts 15:9
“He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.”
This verse refers to God’s impartial acceptance of both Jews and Gentiles. It reminds us that God does not discriminate or show favoritism based on ethnicity or cultural background. He values the purity of the heart, which is attained through faith in Him.
As followers of Christ, we should embrace this truth and extend love and acceptance to people from all walks of life. We should not allow our biases or prejudices to hinder our relationships with others.
1 Corinthians 1:26-28
“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are.”
These verses highlight the upside-down nature of God’s kingdom. He often chooses the weak, foolish, and lowly things of this world to demonstrate His power and wisdom. This serves as a reminder that God does not show favoritism based on societal standards.
As believers, we should adopt a humble and inclusive mindset. We should recognize that all people, regardless of their background or perceived status, are valuable in God’s eyes.
James 2:9
“But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.”
This verse leaves no room for ambiguity. If we engage in favoritism, we are committing sin and transgressing God’s law. It underscores the seriousness of showing partiality and the need for repentance.
As Christians, we should be vigilant in examining our hearts and motivations. We should strive to eradicate any traces of favoritism from our lives and instead live in accordance with God’s commandments.
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 emphasizes the importance of fair and just treatment in the context of judging others. It forbids both showing favoritism to the poor and granting preferential treatment to the rich.
As followers of God, we are called to uphold justice and fairness in all areas of life, including how we judge our neighbors. We should strive to be impartial and treat all people equitably.
Job 34:19
“Who shows no partiality to princes, nor regards the rich more than the poor, for they are all the work of his hands?”
This verse affirms that God is impartial and does not show favoritism based on a person’s social standing. It reminds us that every individual, whether rich or poor, is uniquely crafted by God.
As Christians, we should align our attitudes and actions with God’s character. We should resist the temptation to show favoritism and instead treat all people with equal love and respect.
Job 31:13-15
“If I have denied justice to any of my servants, whether male or female, when they had a grievance against me, what will I do when God confronts me? What will I answer when called to account? Did not he who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same one form us both within our mothers?”
In this passage, Job acknowledges the importance of justice and fairness towards his servants. He recognizes that God is the creator of all and that he would be held accountable for mistreating those under his authority.
As believers, we should take this lesson to heart and ensure that we treat all people, regardless of their position or status, with fairness and justice.
Matthew 5:42
“Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
This verse challenges us to be generous and open-hearted towards those in need. It urges us not to show favoritism but to give to anyone who asks, regardless of their background or circumstances.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to have a mindset of generosity and compassion. We should be willing to help others, even if it inconveniences us or goes against societal norms.
Proverbs 28:6
“Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse.”
This verse challenges our preconceived notions and reminds us that righteousness and integrity are more valuable than wealth and status. It suggests that the poor who live upright lives are more commendable than the wealthy who engage in wickedness.
As Christians, we should avoid making judgments based solely on wealth or external appearances. We should recognize that true worth lies in a person’s character and their relationship with God.