Romans 2:11: For there is no partiality with God.
Simon Peter, discovered this when he went into the home of Cornelius. “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respector of persons” (Acts 10:34). God plays no favorites. He has no pets. All men are alike before Him. Justice is blindfolded, not because she is blind, but that she may not see men in either silk or rags; all must appear alike. Church membership, a good family, being an outstanding citizen, or having a fundamental creed give no advantage before God at all. Do you have a Savior, or don’t you? That is the all–important issue. 1
There are many exhortations to just judgment in the Old Testament; for example, “Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly” (Lev. 19:15). It is this kind of evenhanded justice that Paul ascribes to God. He will not weight things in favor of the rich or the poor. Nor will he favor any one nation, be that nation Jew or Greek. In the end we can rely on the fact that justice will be done. And for the sinful that is very frightening. 2
Application
- Since God shows no favoritism, will you allow your heart to favor others unjustly?
- Do you quiet your conscience or respond to your conscience in obedience?
Prayer
Lord, forgive me for showing partiality instead of showing love.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (Romans 1-8) (electronic ed., Vol. 42). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
2. Morris, L. (1988). The Epistle to the Romans. Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: W.B. Eerdmans; Inter-Varsity Press.