Partiality: "Inclination to favor one party or one side of a question more than the other; an undue bias of mind towards one party or side, which is apt to warp the judgment. Partiality springs from the will and affections, rather than from a love of truth and justice." Websters 1828 Dictionary"My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory." "...have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?" "If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors." James 2:1,4,8-9 ESV
Christians: a reminder to love God and love your neighbor. Be careful to not "make distinctions" within the body of Christ based on who is rich/poor, married/single/divorced/widowed, old/young, children with Christian parents/children without Christian parents or only one Christian parent/orphans etc. The unity and fellowship of the Church is based in Christ and His finished work on our behalf as we are ALL sinners, saved by grace, through faith in Christ alone. THIS is the basis of our fellowship together, our conversations, our meals together, our times of refreshment and enjoyment of activities together, our bearing of each others burdens, our mourning together, our rejoicing together and praying together. Please be careful to not despise or reject those in the Church who do not fit your ideals in your thoughts, words or actions. Please really see those around you and go outside your "comfort zone" for God's glory and the edification of the Church. The Lord sees. The Lord knows. So do the ones who are neglected, ignored, despised, forgotten and outside the popular "cliques".
"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." Romans 12:9-12 ESV
May God be glorified in His Bride as we love each other.
