Refusing to Play Favorites!

[Pastor's Note: Pastor Shane recommends reading James chapter 2 today before reading this devotion.]

Love is the source from which our attitudes should flow. The Bible says we must "love your neighbor as yourself." Friend, we are to show favor to everyone, whether the person is rich or poor. We are to be kind, overlooking any superficial trappings.

Many times, outward appearance triggers partiality, preference, and favoritism. In the book of James, chapter 1 encourages us to put our beliefs into practice. Then, in Chapter 2, we are taught not to show partiality and favoritism. When we show favoritism towards another person, this discrimination violates the truth of God's Word.

The first sermon I ever preached twenty-five-plus years ago was against being prejudiced and showing favoritism. Friends, we should not judge a book by its cover. To judge people based on external physical appearance, status, wealth, power, and prestige is wrong, according to God's Holy Word. The law of love must be the final authority of our attitudes toward everyone. Favoritism and partiality are not from God and should not be practiced by any believer.

Romans 2:11 says that "God shows no favoritism." All are equal before God. AMEN!