(a) What did James teach on partiality? (b) Identify two effects of partiality in society.

Answer Details

(a) James' teaching on partiality (James 2:1-13)

James warned that believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, must show no partiality. He gave an illustration: if a man with gold rings and fine clothing enters the assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and they pay attention to the well-dressed man, saying, "You sit here in a good place," while they tell the poor man, "Stand there," or "Sit at my feet," then they have made distinctions among themselves and become judges with evil thoughts.

He reminded them that God has chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom promised to those who love Him. Yet they had dishonoured the poor man, even though it is the rich who oppress them, drag them into court and blaspheme the honourable name by which they are called. James taught that they should fulfil the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbour as yourself." But if they show partiality they commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors, for whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. He urged them to speak and act as those who will be judged under the law of liberty, for judgement is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy, yet mercy triumphs over judgement.

(b) Two effects of partiality in society

• It breeds injustice and oppression. When people are favoured or despised because of wealth, tribe or status, the weak and poor are denied their rights and the guilty escape punishment.
• It causes division, hatred and disunity. Partiality destroys trust, provokes resentment and quarrels, and breaks the peace and love that should bind a community together.