We have varying reactions to different sins. We are angered by some sins, such as rape and abuse. Other sins, like abortion, we are broken over. We are appalled by adultery, murder, and all of those “big sins.” There are, however, some sins that we either don’t see as that bad or sinful at all. We so frequently engage in them that we have forgotten their true nature. And so many people do as well, so it can’t be that bad, right? One of these sins is clearly condemned in our text today - the sin of partiality.

As James calls it, “respect of persons.” It is favoritism. Discrimination. It is to show favor to someone based upon their skin color, financial status, and education and to show unkindness to another because they don’t look quite as good as that person. We look for the one that is attractive and would look good in our churches and turn away from the one that doesn’t smell very good. We may justify this practice, thinking that it’s not so bad, but this text is clear, there is absolutely no room for partiality.