Definition and Context:
Favoritism, also known as partiality or respect of persons, refers to the practice of giving unfair preferential treatment to one person or group at the expense of another. In the biblical context, favoritism is considered a sin and is explicitly forbidden as it contradicts the nature of God's justice and impartiality.

Biblical References:

1. James 2:1-9 :
The Epistle of James provides a clear admonition against favoritism within the Christian community. James 2:1 states, "My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism." The passage goes on to illustrate a scenario where a rich man and a poor man enter a gathering, and the rich man is given preferential treatment. James condemns this behavior, emphasizing that showing favoritism makes one a judge with evil thoughts (James 2:4). He further asserts that favoritism violates the royal law found in Scripture: "Love your neighbor as yourself" (James 2:8).

2. Deuteronomy 10:17 :
The Old Testament also addresses the issue of favoritism, highlighting God's impartial nature. Deuteronomy 10:17 declares, "For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God, showing no partiality and accepting no bribe." This verse underscores the expectation that God's people should emulate His impartiality.

3. Romans 2:11 :
The Apostle Paul reiterates the theme of God's impartiality in his letter to the Romans, stating, "For God does not show favoritism." This principle is foundational to the understanding of God's justice and the equitable treatment of all individuals, regardless of their status or background.

4. Acts 10:34-35 :
In the account of Peter's vision and subsequent visit to Cornelius, Peter acknowledges the lesson he learned about God's impartiality: "Then Peter began to speak: 'I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.'" This revelation was pivotal in the early church's understanding of the inclusion of Gentiles in the faith.

Theological Implications:

Favoritism is antithetical to the character of God, who is just and impartial. The prohibition against favoritism is rooted in the biblical principle of equality before God. All humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and are equally valuable in His sight. The call to avoid favoritism is a call to reflect God's character in human relationships, promoting justice, love, and unity within the body of Christ.

Practical Applications:

1. Church Leadership:
Church leaders are called to exercise impartiality in their ministry, ensuring that all members of the congregation are treated with equal respect and care. Decisions regarding church discipline, resource allocation, and leadership roles should be made without favoritism.

2. Personal Relationships:
Believers are encouraged to examine their personal relationships and interactions to ensure they are free from bias. This includes being mindful of how they treat individuals from different socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicities, or social statuses.

3. Social Justice:
The biblical mandate against favoritism extends to issues of social justice, where Christians are called to advocate for the fair treatment of all individuals, particularly the marginalized and oppressed.

By adhering to the biblical command to avoid favoritism, Christians are better able to live out the gospel message of love and equality, reflecting the nature of God in a world often marked by division and inequality.