Our love for one another is a proof that we are followers of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said this in John 13:35, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." The more we get to know the heart of our Heavenly Father, the more we are going to love others, for He is love. And this is the reason there is no favoritism in the body of Christ or the church. James 2:1 says, "My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism." Favoritism is based on our self-centeredness, and it is about putting ourselves first before others. Favoritism can lead to prejudice. Anybody that fits our expectations and likes is welcome to us, but those who do not meet our expectations and likes, we try to avoid. God knows we all have preferences, but God wants us to grow in our love for Him and others.
It is amazing that the God who saved and sacrificially loved us with His own life represents this world's poor and unwanted. James continued to say this in James 2:8-9, "If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, 'Love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing it right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers." If favoritism is something that we struggle with within ourselves, we need to deal with it by surrendering it to our Lord Jesus, for there is no room for favoritism in God's kingdom. We first acknowledge that we have a problem with favoritism, then we need to ask God to change our hearts and give us love for others.
Our genuine faith in our Lord Jesus Christ leads us to change our behaviors and attitudes towards others. True Christianity is not just about going to church every Sunday; it is about living out our identity in Christ in this world. It is about growing in our love for our God and others.
Ask yourself these questions: Do I struggle with favoritism or prejudice? What should I do if I struggle with favoritism or prejudice? What does my God want me to treat others?
Write down all the worries that you are facing today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, I acknowledge that you are the God of love. There is no favoritism in you. You created all human beings equally, and you want me to love others. Would you please help me to love others and not to give in to favoritism or prejudice? Please change my heart and make me the person that you want me to be. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.