The Sin of Respecting Persons

The sin of respecting persons has been a major cause of many divisions amongst God's children down through the ages. James exhorts the true believer to consider the evilness of this great sin in the light of God's grace in 'choosing the poor of this world, rich in faith.'

Too often we make rash judgments about others without considering that our judgments are often tainted by our own selfish and biased opinons. We are to judge in righteousness (Lev 19:15; Deut 1:17).

In every situation the believer is to use great humility and meekness in exercising such spiritual discernment. But to respect persons for their position, wealth, and outlook is a sin against the 'royal law of loving our neighbour as ourselves.'