Prejudice & Partiality

Prejudice and partiality have scarred human history. Nations and individuals have exalted themselves over others, justifying oppression and violence. In the United States, the legacy of slavery, segregation, and civil rights struggles still lingers, reminding us we have not moved as far beyond these sins as we imagine. Racism is not only cultural but theological, because it denies that every human is made in God’s image.

Prejudice shows up not only in overt racism but also in subtle favoritism. People often elevate their ethnicity, culture, or class as ultimate, rather than grounding identity in Christ. Partiality appears in churches, workplaces, and relationships whenever people are judged by externals instead of God-given worth.

Scripture condemns partiality as sin. God is impartial in His justice and salvation, and His people are called to reflect His character. The gospel tears down walls of hostility, creating one new humanity in Christ. Diversity in the body of Christ is not to be feared or erased but celebrated as a reflection of God’s design and redemption.

1. Trends – What the Culture Is Teaching

• Historic Racism – From slavery to Jim Crow, racism dehumanized image-bearers, with wounds still felt today.
• Modern Reminders – Racial profiling and inequality show prejudice remains present.
• Subtle Partiality – Favoritism surfaces in who we associate with or promote.
• Excessive Prioritization – Ethnicity matters, but when elevated above Christ it divides.

2. Truths – What Scripture Says

• God shows no partiality – Deuteronomy 10:17: “For the Lord your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awe-inspiring God, showing no partiality and taking no bribe.”
• The gospel removes divisions – Ephesians 2:14: “For he is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility.”
• Favoritism is sin – James 2:1, 9: “My brothers and sisters, do not show favoritism as you hold on to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ… But if you show favoritism, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.”
• One body, many members – 1 Corinthians 12:13: “For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and we were all given one Spirit to drink.”
• The vision of heaven – Revelation 7:9: “After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”

3. Transfers – How to Communicate Truth to Others

• Listen well – Approach others with humility, seeking to understand.
• Celebrate diversity – God is glorified when His people display unity in difference.
• Reject division – The gospel calls for one family, not separate groups.
• Model impartiality – Live and lead without favoritism.
• Ask questions – “Where might I show subtle partiality?” “How can I reflect God’s impartiality today?”

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