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Respect of Persons

Respect of persons, or partiality, is the sin of showing favoritism based on external status, wealth, or appearance rather than treating all people with equal dignity as image-bearers of God.

Overview

Scripture clearly condemns partiality and favoritism as incompatible with Christian faith and God's character. God does not show favoritism based on social status, wealth, or appearance, and believers are called to reflect this impartiality in how they treat others. Showing respect of persons dishonors both God and those we undervalue.

Key Scriptures

"My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory" (James 2:1, ESV).

"God shows no partiality" (Romans 2:11, ESV).

"To show partiality is not good, but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong" (Proverbs 28:21, ESV).

Application

Examine your interactions to ensure you treat all people—regardless of wealth, status, appearance, or social position—with the same respect and kindness you would show to those you consider important.

Scripture References 26
James 2:1 James 2:2 James 2:3 James 2:4 James 2:5 James 2:6 James 2:7 James 2:8 James 2:9 Proverbs 24:23 Proverbs 28:21 Job 31:13 Job 31:14 Job 31:15 Romans 2:11 Romans 2:12 Ephesians 6:8 Ephesians 6:9 Deuteronomy 10:17 2 Chronicles 19:7 Job 34:19 Acts 10:34 Acts 15:9 Romans 10:12 Colossians 3:25 1 Peter 1:17
Full Topical Reference List 26 total — Nave's Topical Bible

General references

James 2:1 James 2:2 James 2:3 James 2:4 James 2:5 James 2:6 James 2:7 James 2:8 James 2:9 Proverbs 24:23 Proverbs 28:21

God does not have

1 Peter 1:17 2 Chronicles 19:7 Acts 10:34 Acts 15:9 Colossians 3:25 Deuteronomy 10:17 Ephesians 6:8 Ephesians 6:9 Job 31:13 Job 31:14 Job 31:15 Job 34:19 Romans 2:11 Romans 2:12 Romans 10:12
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