(Romans 2:11) There is no favoritism with God.

The early church did not have buildings. They met in the large houses of wealthy people, who were often the leaders of the church. 

As literate individuals, they were able to read the Bible aloud to those who were illiterate, which was most of the church.

The primary division in the early church was between the rich (the literate minority) and the poor (the illiterate majority).

This gives us a better understanding of the passage in James 2:1–4: You must never show favoritism to one person over another. For if a rich man comes into your church gathering wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man also comes in wearing filthy old clothes, and you show special attention to the rich man and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated and judged others with evil thoughts?

Special treatment for the rich in the Roman period was common.

The rich were usually from prominent families and were patrons in the city.

Our world is also filled with favoritism for the rich over the poor.

Our court system often benefits the rich over the poor.

Our political system often benefits the rich over the poor.

However, as Romans 2:11 tells us, favoritism must be forbidden in the church because it contradicts the character of God. As this passage declares: There is no favoritism with God.

And so, as Christians, we must not violate the character of God by discriminating between people, whether because of economic status or race.

God’s grace and salvation are not given with favoritism or special treatment, for God wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4).

The ways of God are the opposite of the ways of this world.

As James 2:5 says, God has chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him.  

As followers of Jesus Christ, who loves all people, we must allow God to remove from our hearts any tendency toward favoritism, especially between those who have a lot and those who have little.

Our lives must be marked by a passion for justice and impartiality.

Let’s pray that our hearts are bent toward justice.

Let’s pray that we do not give special attention to one person over another.

Let’s pray that our churches are filled with the love and acceptance of all people, regardless of their status in the eyes of this world.

Let’s never forget: All people have been created in the image of God.

God’s ways are not our ways!