Which other scriptures emphasize the importance of treating everyone equally? James 2:1—The Starting Point “My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism.” God’s Equal Image in Creation - Genesis 1:27: “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Every person—rich or poor, powerful or powerless—carries the same divine imprint. Old-Testament Foundations Against Partiality - Leviticus 19:15: “You must not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; judge your neighbor fairly.” - Deuteronomy 1:17: “Show no partiality in judgment; hear both small and great alike.” - 2 Chronicles 19:7: “There is no injustice or partiality or bribery with the LORD our God.” - Proverbs 22:2: “The rich and the poor have this in common: the LORD is Maker of them all.” Jesus’ Call to Equal Love - Matthew 22:39: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” - Luke 10:36-37 (conclusion of the Good Samaritan): “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor…? ‘The one who showed him mercy.’” - John 13:34: “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so also you must love one another.” Early-Church Witness to God’s Impartiality - Acts 10:34-35: “God does not show favoritism, but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.” - Romans 2:11: “For God does not show favoritism.” - 1 Corinthians 12:13: “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given one Spirit to drink.” New-Covenant Equality in Christ - Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” - Ephesians 6:9: “Masters, treat your slaves likewise, without threats, because you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.” - Colossians 3:11: “Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all and in all.” Pastoral Reminders to Leaders - 1 Timothy 5:21: “Keep these instructions without bias, doing nothing out of partiality.” - 1 Peter 1:17: “Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, live your lives in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.” Bringing It Home From Genesis to Revelation, the thread is clear: because every person bears God’s image, because Christ died for all, and because the Father judges without favoritism, we who follow Jesus must reflect that same impartial love in every relationship and every setting. |
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