Favoritism, also known as partiality or respect of persons, is addressed in the Bible as a sinful behavior that contradicts the nature of God's justice and love. The concept of favoritism is seen as a moral failing that disrupts the equitable treatment of individuals, which is a fundamental principle in Christian ethics.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible explicitly condemns favoritism in several passages. James 2:1-4 warns believers against showing partiality: "My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, 'Here is a seat of honor,' but say to the poor man, 'You must stand,' or, 'Sit at my feet,' have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?"

This passage highlights the sinfulness of favoritism by illustrating how it leads to unjust discrimination based on external appearances, which is contrary to the Christian call to love one's neighbor as oneself (James 2:8).

The Nature of God

Favoritism is inconsistent with the character of God, who is described as impartial. Deuteronomy 10:17 states, "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." God's impartiality is a model for human behavior, emphasizing that all people are equal in His sight, regardless of social status, wealth, or ethnicity.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament reinforces the Old Testament's stance on favoritism. In Acts 10:34-35 , Peter declares, "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 underscores the universality of the Gospel and the equal opportunity for salvation offered to all people.

Paul also addresses favoritism in his epistles. In Romans 2:11 , he writes, "For God does not show favoritism." This statement is part of a broader discourse on God's righteous judgment, emphasizing that all will be judged by the same standard.

Practical Implications for Believers

The sin of favoritism has practical implications for Christian conduct. Believers are called to emulate God's impartiality in their interactions with others. This includes treating all individuals with dignity and respect, regardless of their social or economic status. The early church faced challenges related to favoritism, as seen in the distribution of food to widows in Acts 6:1-7, where the apostles took steps to ensure fair treatment for all.

Favoritism can also manifest in the church through preferential treatment of certain members or groups, which can lead to division and strife. Leaders are particularly cautioned against favoritism in their ministry. In 1 Timothy 5:21 , Paul instructs Timothy, "I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to maintain these principles without bias, and to do nothing out of partiality."

Conclusion

Understanding favoritism as sin requires recognizing its contradiction to the biblical principles of justice, love, and equality. By adhering to the teachings of Scripture, believers are called to reflect God's impartiality in their relationships and community life, fostering an environment where all are valued and treated with fairness.