Search This Blog

Is discrimination a sin?


My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?  James 2:1-4
            Discrimination, or favoritism as James calls it, is choosing one person over another based on their looks, income and what they can do for me.  A homeless person can do nothing for you, so if you reject them on that reason, you are making selfish demands based on what’s best for you and not what’s best for that homeless person.
            Giving special attention to people based on your opinions is not right.  We should judge people based on God’s values—He created everyone and loves everyone.  That’s what we should do.  It’s difficult sometimes when people act hateful and divisive, but we are commanded to love God and love others…Period.