Why God Dislikes Favouritism

Daily Devotional – Monday, April 5, 2021

Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism.”

Acts 10:34 (NLT)

A bank asked for a recommendation letter before hiring a young man. The resulting letter described the boy as descending from prominent families. The bank, finding the letter inadequate, replied, “We are not contemplating using the young man for breeding purposes. Just for work.” (http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/f/favoritism.htm).

God may not be as blunt as the bank in its reply, but He, also, “shows no favoritism” (Acts 10:34).  In ancient Israel, any Gentile who submitted to Jehovah was given the same privilege as an Israelite. Good examples include Rahab and Ruth, who even became Christ’s great grandparents.

Jewish Christians of the first century considered themselves special (compared to Gentiles) because of their heritage. God had to take Apostle Peter through an experience with a devout Roman (Gentile) to reiterate His hatred of intolerance (Acts 10).

In Christ, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28).

Christians are not more favoured than Non-Christians. God does not discriminate on His children. He loves those who remain at home as much as His prodigal children.

Any attempt to discriminate on other people based on race, ethnicity, culture, economic class, social class, religious denomination, academic achievements, professions, disability, perceived level of sinfulness, levels of giving in church, and so on, is ungodly.

To feel, act and speak as if we are more special than others, whether this is expressed openly or subtly, is a clear contradiction of the character of the “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6).

Father, thank You because we are all equal in Your eyes.