Prejudice is the act of judging others unfairly, and the Bible is clear in its condemnation of this behavior. Scripture calls believers to love all people, regardless of race, background, or status. Let’s explore what the Bible says about overcoming prejudice and seeing others through the eyes of Christ.
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What Does The Bible Say About Prejudice
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 verse emphasizes that God does not show favoritism or prejudice based on race or nationality. Instead, He welcomes and accepts anyone who fears Him and lives righteously, regardless of their background or ethnicity.
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 highlights the importance of not showing favoritism or discrimination based on external appearances or social status. Prejudice goes against the teachings of Christ, who showed love and acceptance to all without partiality.
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 exists among believers in Christ. In God’s eyes, there is no distinction based on race, social status, or gender. We are all equal and part of one unified body in Jesus Christ.
Romans 2:11
“For God does not show favoritism.”
God does not discriminate or show partiality towards any individual or group. He judges each person fairly based on their actions and hearts, without regard to external factors such as ethnicity or social background.
Proverbs 24:23
“These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judging is not good.”
In wisdom, it is recognized that showing partiality or prejudice when making judgments is not right or desirable. It is important to treat all individuals fairly and impartially, without letting personal biases cloud our judgment.
1 Samuel 16:7
“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'”
This verse reminds us that God looks beyond outward appearances and focuses on the condition of the heart. He does not judge or value individuals based on their physical attributes, but rather on the sincerity and integrity of their inner being.
Matthew 7:1-2
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Jesus cautions against the act of prejudging others, as it not only leads to unfair judgment but also invites similar judgment upon oneself. It is important to approach others with humility, recognizing that we too will be held accountable for the judgments we make.
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.”
This verse reaffirms the message of unity and equality in Christ. Regardless of our cultural or social backgrounds, when we come to faith in Christ, we become part of a single body. Christ is the unifying factor that transcends all divisions.
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 commands His people to uphold justice and fairness in their interactions with others. Showing prejudice or favoritism, whether towards the poor or the wealthy, distorts the true nature of justice and goes against God’s righteous standards.
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 calls for believers to live in harmony and humility, without letting pride or prejudice hinder their relationships with others. It emphasizes the importance of treating all individuals with respect and dignity, regardless of their social stature.
Matthew 22:39
“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Jesus instructs His followers to love their neighbors as themselves. This commandment encompasses all people, regardless of their race or background, and encourages us to treat others with the same care, compassion, and respect that we would desire for ourselves.
Proverbs 28:21
“To show partiality is not good— yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread.”
This proverb highlights the danger of succumbing to prejudice or bias for personal gain. It reminds us that no matter the temptation, it is never right to do wrong or show partiality to others in exchange for material benefits.
Luke 10:33-37
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’” Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?’ The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.'”
This parable of the Good Samaritan challenges prejudice and bias by demonstrating the importance of showing mercy and compassion to others, regardless of their ethnicity or social standing. Jesus encourages His followers to go beyond societal barriers and extend love and help to those in need without discrimination.
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 emphasizes the character of God, who shows no partiality and is just in all His ways. It also instructs God’s people to love and care for foreigners, reminding them that they too were once foreigners in Egypt. God’s love extends to all, and His followers are called to do likewise.
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 charge to believers to adhere to God’s instructions without favoritism or partiality. It reminds us that our actions should be based on righteousness and fairness, rather than personal preferences or biases.
2 Chronicles 19:7
“Now let the fear of the LORD be on you. Judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”
King Jehoshaphat exhorts the judges in the land to exercise righteousness and fairness in their judgments. This verse emphasizes that God, the ultimate judge, does not tolerate injustice, partiality, or bribery. It serves as a reminder that our judgments should reflect His character and standards.
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 masters and their treatment of slaves, emphasizing that there should be no distinction or unfair treatment based on social status. Believers are called to treat all individuals with respect, recognizing that God does not show favoritism or partiality.
Job 34:19
“Who shows no partiality to princes, and does not favor the rich over the poor, for they are all the work of his hands?”
Job acknowledges that God is impartial and does not show favoritism to the wealthy or powerful. He recognizes that all individuals, regardless of their station in life, are equally the work of God’s hands and deserving of fair treatment.
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 illustrates the common origin of all humanity. It reminds us that God created every nation and determined their place in the world. As children of God, we are called to recognize and honor the diversity among us, rejecting any form of prejudice or discrimination.
1 Peter 1:17
“Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.”
Believers are encouraged to live their lives with reverence and awe, recognizing that we have a Heavenly Father who judges impartially. This verse reminds us that our time on earth is temporary and serves as a call to reject prejudice and live in a manner that honors God’s impartiality.
Proverbs 28:16
“A tyrannical ruler practices extortion, but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign.”
This proverb contrasts a leader who resorts to unfair and corrupt practices with one who detests ill-gotten gains. It underscores the importance of ruling justly and without prejudice, as it leads to stability and longevity in leadership.
James 2:9
“But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.”
James warns against the sin of showing favoritism, as it goes against God’s law. This verse emphasizes that discrimination or prejudice is not just a moral failure but also a violation of God’s standards of righteousness.
Psalm 82:2-4
“How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked? 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 passage serves as a rebuke to those who show partiality to the wicked and neglect their responsibility to defend and advocate for the weak and marginalized. It challenges believers to take a stand against prejudice and injustice, actively working to protect and uplift those in need.
1 John 2:9-11
“Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going because the darkness has blinded them.”
This passage highlights the inseparable connection between love and light. Hating others based on prejudice or bias is described as dwelling in darkness, while loving our brothers and sisters is living in the light. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of love and the destructive nature of prejudice.