The Test of Impartial Love
James 2:1-13
Godly Response: The mature Christian understands that "favoritism" is totally inconsistent with the Christian faith. One of the great commands as taught by Jesus, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." provides foundational teaching on NOT being partial. The Bible further clarifies in the parable of the Good Samaritan that your neighbor is anyone in your path who has a need. So if the appearance of preferential treatment occurs, it should primarily be directed at meeting the urgent requirements of those in need. Plus, did not God choose the poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom? Therefore, we should fellowship open-heartedly with all Christians regardless of their age, race, gender, or socio-economic status.
Worldly Response: The worldly response is to show favoritism, and favoritism demonstrates judgmental attitudes, evil motives, and sin. Favoritism based on race is clearly evil. That applies to whites being racist against blacks, and blacks being racist against whites, and any race being racist against any race. Favoritism to a rich man over a poor man demonstrates numerous possible evil motives. If you have something to gain from this wealthy person, favoritism could reflect your greed and/or materialism. Or this favoritism could be unethical and possibly illegal. As a minimum, it demonstrates arrogance and a total lack of compassion for the poor man, and judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy.