Favouritism is Evil

Most of us agree that it’s wrong to discriminate or show preferential treatment. But when James calls favouritism evil, he goes beyond the obvious and exposes a sin we all commit, often without realising it. Do you treat people you like better than those you don’t? Do you treat yourself better than others? Most likely, yes. We all need to grow in this area.

James wrote during a time when favouritism seemed especially reasonable. A famine had struck. A prophecy had warned the church years earlier, yet life remained incredibly difficult (Acts 11:27-30). If a wealthy person and a poor person entered your church at the same time, it would be natural to favour the wealthy one. They feel safer and have resources to help you, while the poor person may seem like a burden.

We still think this way today, even if it’s subtle. Sometimes it’s justified. But James makes it clear that favouring one person over another is still wrong (James 2:1-5). Jesus came to save sinners, outsiders, and the broken—categories that apply to all of us, regardless of how we appear. Showing favouritism, even toward ourselves, breaks Jesus’s command to love our neighbour as ourselves (James 2:8-9) and makes us guilty of violating the whole law (James 2:10-11).

If we truly want to live out our faith, our hearts must reflect God’s (James 2:12-13). We should desire what is best for everyone, regardless of who they are. We can still exercise judgment, but only to make wise decisions and treat others fairly.

God made every person in His image, and He loves them all. Let that shape how you see people and how you treat them.

Watch the full sermon here.