This understanding of favoritism, partiality and justice is hard for humans to accept because favoritism, partiality, and bias for and against individuals and groups are acceptable practices in all cultures. Obviously, the world would be a better place if everyone would abandon their cultural habits regarding favoritism and partiality. This is God’s reason for the command to “love your neighbor as yourself” which does not allow for biases between your neighbor and you or any individuals or groups for which you might be biased. We see the biblical  principle that bias toward some people is always accompanied by bias against other people in these three verses:

• Proverbs 18:5: It is not good to be partial to the wicked and so deprive the innocent of justice.
• Leviticus 19:15: You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly.
• Deuteronomy 16:20: Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue, so that you may live and possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you.

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These verses include the second most misunderstood and ignored theme of the bible: Injustice. These particular verses are God’s warnings about injustice where the wicked, rich and powerful receive undeserved benefits and advantages that are not available to the innocent and poor because of favoritism and partiality. Deuteronomy 16:20 highlights God’s attitude about injustice with the command to pursue justice, and only justice. Jews and Christians would do well to note that God says that it is “only” justice that he wants people to do. He has already told Jews and Christians how he feels about religious sacrifices and offerings, and he has said many times that they should not show favoritism and partiality to anyone. The fact that Judaism and Christianity are built on favoritism and partiality is a clue that their hearts are closed to anything God has to say about “only” doing justice.

God’s strong, unequivocal, attitudes about injustice makes it very clear that doing justice by fighting favoritism and partiality is not an optional activity for anyone who wants to make the world better or to please God. But, it is not enough to not practice avoidance of favoritism and partiality personally. God also wants people to love their neighbors by pursuing justice globally. This is the only way to make the whole world better.

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THE CAUSE OF FAVORITISM AND PARTIALITY: UNJUST, UNFAIR JUDGING
It is impossible to separate favoritism and partiality from the issue of judging. When Christians think about judging, they usually focus on Luke 6:37:

““Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”

Because the common takeaway from this verse is “do not judge,” most people — even people who do not believe in God — do their best to avoid judging others face to face  — even though they judge others freely in their hearts.  Not judging is good, but meaningless in God’s eyes if you judge in your heart. Not judging publicly is also meaningless if you don’t understand favoritism and partiality. In God’s eyes, every time your show someone even a little bit of favoritism or partiality with thoughts, words and deeds, you have made two kinds of judgments simultaneously in your heart:

1. You have affirmatively judged an individual or group that you personally like, honor, esteem, trust, and favor as being especially worthy or deserving of some reward (e.g. status, honor, gift, vote, flattery, etc.) Typically, politicians, religious leaders celebrities, and wealthy people are judged in these positive ways.
2. And, you have also negatively judged other individuals or groups (e.g. people of color, migrants, homeless people, poor people, uneducated people, people who have different religious beliefs and ethnicities, etc.) as being unworthy or undeserving of similar rewards, gifts, honors and flattery. Typically, it is poor, marginalized people who are the targets of these judgments but wealthy people of different ethnicities and skin colors can also be targets of negative judgments. These judgments may not happen at the conscious level, but  are always present in the heart. That explains why people who display open or covert prejudice and bigotry can claim without shame that they are not prejudiced and not bigots. The pride of their self-righteous hearts has deceived them.

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This two-part judgment is not how people generally think about judging. Affirmative, verbal judging of individuals and groups is never evaluated in terms of correlated, negative judging that happens at least in our hearts and maybe in our deeds. We see no problem with saying nice things about someone, but what is in our mouth does not immediately reveal what is in our heart. However, sooner or later the deep, evil, thoughts and intents of our hearts will sooner or later become clear to everyone.

The very fact that we single out an individual or group for affirmation shows that we see others as unworthy of similar affirmation. If we held all individuals and groups in the same high regard without favoritism or partiality, we would not need to single some individuals or groups out for our personal affirmation. This highly nuanced analysis is hard for anyone to make because the heart is deceitful and beyond cure. But God knows what is in our hearts and judges us on the basis of what he sees in our hearts. And what he sees when we show favoritism and partiality is discrimination, bias, bigotry and inequity for others.

Exactly why God chooses to forbid partiality and favoritism instead of discrimination and inequity is a mystery. We would expect him to make a commandment to not discriminate but the bible does not include such a commandment. It does however address the principle of discrimination in the following verses:

• James 2:4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
• Acts15:9  He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith.
• Acts 6:1  In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.
• Job 32:21   I will show no partiality, nor will I flatter anyone;
• Deuteronomy 1:17  Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of anyone, for judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case too hard for you, and I will hear it.”

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These verses make it clear that discrimination/judging/partiality are connected. What we learn from them is that partiality/discrimination always occurs in the context of one group receiving benefits, flattery or social acceptance that others do not receive. This happens after a judgment has been made about who does and does not receives the benefits/flattery/acceptance.

Favoritism and partiality are not typically thought of as being evil or sinful, but this is just another example where man’s ways are not God’s ways. In human cultures, giving a benefit of one kind or another to our favorite people is a common practice. We say and/or do something nice for someone while also hopefully expecting to receive a reward for our kindness or flattery in the future. With this future reward in mind we can see that favoritism and partiality are very much like bribes for some unspecified, future reward. With this perspective in mind, we see that acts of favoritism and partiality are never purely oriented to the benefit and building up of others. Acts of favoritism and partiality are always self-serving in big and small ways.

This self-serving attitude contrasts with attitudes in God’s Kingdom no one does anything for personal gain.  This is the only way that the world will become a better place. Judging with favoritism and partiality always causes injustice. In God’s kingdom, judging is always done for the benefit of others — not  for personal gain.

When we analyze favoritism and partiality from this positive/negative perspective, we see that God has no tolerance for any degree of difference in our attitudes about others. We see his attitude in these scriptures:

• Matthew 6:24: “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.
• 1 John 4:20: Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.
• Luke 14:26: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.
• Matthew 10:37: “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

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Understanding of favoritism and partiality depends on the right understanding of hate in this link. God’s definition of hate is an expression of relative human value – not absolute value. In God’s eyes we hate someone when the following are true:

• We detest (i.e. hold a low opinion of) people because we judge them to be deficient in some way (e.g. intelligence, wealth, beauty, education, ethnicity, morality, religious beliefs, etc.)
• We love them less than we love ourselves.
• We esteem them less than we esteem ourselves and others whom we hold in high regard.

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Humans cannot easily understand or accept this love/hate definition because it goes against human nature. You cannot understand God until you understand that, when you outwardly show favoritism and partiality for some people, you simultaneously have hate in your heart for those you have excluded from your favoritism and partiality.

You may fool others with your pious, public devotion to your favorite people, and organizations, and you may fool yourself into believing that your motives are sincere, righteous and designed for the benefit of others, but God is not fooled. God knows that you have hate in your heart for those you exclude from your kind words and generosity.

To summarize, God says we hate anyone whom we don’t regard as our equal in all respects. This definition sets a very high threshold for love and a low threshold for hate. It also helps us understand why favoritism and partiality are sin: favoritism and partiality are the outward, public evidence of murder in the heart. 

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GOD’S STRATEGY FOR ACHIEVING UNITY AND ONENESS: LOVING YOUR NEIGHBOR  AS YOURSELF
This article will be challenging for atheists and agnostics. It will be even more challenging for Jews and Christians.

Because the link Religion and Belief in God Are Not Prerequisites for Loving Your Neighbor introduces the idea that belief in God is not a prerequisite for loving your neighbor, there is no need to review those arguments. It is necessary, however, to understand that prayer in the bible is not verbal prayer. See Prayer for understanding that prayer is a matter of what is in your heart. Therefore, atheists and agnostics who desire in their hearts to make the world a better place are in fact praying according to God’s definition of prayer — even if they don’t believe in God. That said, there is a need to explain how everyone, including atheists and agnostics, might/can/should interpret John 17:20-23:

20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one– 23 I in them and you in me–so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 

This prayer reads like a bunch of religious “mumbo jumbo.” Christians have confused its meaning by interpreting it in terms of Christian unity to the exclusion of unity of all people. This elitist attitude allows Christians to frame their concept of unity very narrowly (i.e. within churches, denominations, religions) while ignoring the global application of the prayer to God’s commands to love your global neighbor. Here are a few tips about how to interpret the prayer correctly:

• This prayer is for all people around the world — not just Jews and Christians.
• It is not that people around the world will convert to Judaism or Christianity and go to a place called heaven, or not to a place called hell after they die.
• The prayer is that the hearts of all people — not just Jews and Christians —  would be united. God does not think in terms of religious, political, ethnic, racial or economic unity. When hearts are in agreement about loving your neighbor as yourself, all of the artificial divisions that humans have created to separate themselves from each other through favoritism and partiality disappear. Religion and politics have done more to create division than any other institution.
• When hearts are united, people love one another as they love themselves. They are not divided. For their benefit and the benefit of their neighbors they sacrificially obey God’s Commands About How to Relate to Him and to One Another.
• Everything Jesus said and did exemplified how to love your neighbor. He didn’t just preach that message, he lived it. God did not intend that religious people should religiously follow a human person called Jesus. He intended that they should follow the example of how the bible character called Jesus lived and what he taught about loving your neighbor.
• John 17:20-23: appears to be a public prayer. Actually it was the prayer of Jesus’ heart. He would not have prayed publicly because he otherwise told people to pray in their hearts —  not in public. Since Jesus spoke for God — not for himself — the prayer is an expression of the desire of God’s heart for unity for all people.
• Jesus was not praying that people would believe in him as a person who could take away sins. He was praying on God’s behalf that everyone in all generations would believe in his message about mutual, reciprocal, sacrificial, neighborly love and trust.
• Jesus did not have the power to take away sins. He only had authority to speak for God. When people believed and applied Jesus message of mutual, reciprocal, sacrificial love and trust, those whose hearts were open to hearing would stop practicing the sin of favoritism and partiality in their relationships. In that sense only, Jesus was a messiah who solved their sin problem. The ones who had hard hearts, on the other hand, would continue to practice favoritism and partiality.
• Jesus was praying that people in all generations would hear his message about loving your neighbor as yourself and obey God’s many commands to personally love their neighbors.
• The glory God gave to Jesus is God’s spoken word. The commands to not show favoritism and partiality and love your neighbor are God’s spoken words.
• The goal of complete unity is that people would come to experience God’s love in the context of sharing love with their neighbors. The only way to fully experience God’s love is through the love of your neighbors. This is the only way that God makes himself known to the world.
• This prayer is fully consistent with Old Testament  prophecies about God writing his laws on hearts. When God’s laws are written on hearts, people will no longer obey the teachings of religious, political and cultural leaders who openly practice favoritism and partiality for everyone to see and emulate. As more people obey God’s laws about loving your neighbor. the world becomes a better place.

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This detailed explanation of John 17:20-23 is a summary of God’s hopes when he gave the general command to love your neighbor. Beyond the general command, all his other commands are details about the do’s and don’ts of Godly love. 

Because Jews and Christians are so focused on religion, they don’t understand that God’s love is embodied in all commandments — especially those about loving your neighbor. In other words, everyone who reads God’s Commands About How to Relate to Him and to One Another listed in the pages of Make the World Better receives God’s love. Moreover, anyone who obeys those commands makes the world a better place for themselves and others. People who are inclined to verbally share these commands with others go beyond what Jesus prayed. The main thing is to obey the commandments in everyday relationships. If opportunities to share emerge in the future, that is great, but obedience to the commands is the most important thing. In fact, obedience is a teaching activity because, when people experience God’s love in action, they notice and learn.

John 17:20-23 reveals God’s intention that all people would live in unity. It also tells us that God’s character is revealed in unity. Religious people work hard to create religious experiences that indicate God’s presence. This is all religious theater designed to stir emotions.. Even some non-religious people look for physical evidence that God exists in the physical, created world. They are all looking in the wrong places. God can only be experienced in the heart — never in the physical world. The ultimate way to know God is to experience Godly love from your neighbors. When God’s love is written on their hearts, his love flows naturally out of their hearts to their neighbors. That is why God wants to write his laws of Godly love on the hearts of people. Human love only causes division and strife, but Godly love includes forgiveness and heals hearts It also inspires people to love others the same way.. That kind of love will not be experienced, however, unless people stop practicing the sin of favoritism and partiality in religion, politics, business and all other relationships.

John 17:20-23 says that the ultimate expression of who God is will be revealed when the hearts of everyone in the world lives in unity. When that happens, they will also be one with God. This is all very complicated theological stuff that is beyond the scope of Make the Word Better. It is worth mentioning briefly, however, because it introduces the reason why God makes such a big deal about favoritism and partiality. The world will not become a better place as long a people continue practicing favoritism and partiality in religion, politics, business and private relationships. The reason the world is in such bad shape is that favoritism and partiality have reigned unchecked in all cultures for thousands of years. And the world will continue to deteriorate until good-hearted people around the world stop practicing favoritism and partiality and start loving their neighbors as themselves sacrificially. There is no other option. Religion and politics cannot make the world better. Religion and politics are the problem.

Small and large acts of favoritism and partiality actively militate against unity and oneness between individuals, groups and God.. People who sincerely desires to make the world better will not continue to sabotage God’s intentions by practicing favoritism and partiality in religion, politics and personal relationships. Instead, they will incorporate God’s commands about loving your neighbor into their lives. See this link for some of the basics of Godly love.

It is nearly impossible for most people to interpret words found in the bible without thinking in religious terms. This habit is most unfortunate. It is especially unfortunate if it causes people who are averse to religion to reject the principles of loving your neighbor. Those people need to know that obedience to God’s commands about loving your neighbor can be adopted and applied privately without being religious. They don’t need to convert to Judaism or Christianity to love their neighbor. They don’t need to pray or go to religious meetings. They don’t need to wear a cross or carry a bible. In fact, people who already identify as Jews and Christians would do well to sever their relationships with their churches and synagogues, stop practicing religion in all its forms, and focus all their attention on loving their neighbors.

The following points are worth repeating:

• God’s ultimate desire is for people to live in complete unity. which is also called oneness.
• He does not want religion because religion militates against oneness.
• God knows that unity and oneness are impossible in a world that is filled with favoritism and partiality. That is why he spoke about it so often.
• Unity is the reason God gave the command to love your neighbor as you love yourself.
• Loving your neighbor produces unity and harmony.
• A world that practices favoritism and partiality is broken, chaotic, and full of disharmony;

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From beginning to end, every story of the bible shows how disunity and chaos are overcome by love and unity.  Every character is either an agent of disunity or reconciliation that leads to unity. Commandments are either warnings about causing disunity or principles for overcoming disunity. Because nothing is more important to God than people living in unity and harmony, all of  his commandments support that goal. Sadly, Jews and Christians do not understand God’s priorities. They think that unity is a concept that only applies to relationships in religious organizations. They do not think in terms of global unity and harmony that makes the world a better place for everyone.

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OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S LAWS OVERCOMES INJUSTICE AND CREATE UNITY
Biblical representations of justice and judging are always framed in terms of God’s spiritual laws — not in terms of human laws or morals. Therefore any time someone judges another person with respect to human laws, they break God’s laws about judging and create injustice. By contrast, when they judge someone with respect to God’s spiritual laws, they  judge fairly and righteously and create unity. The world would be a better place if Jews and Christians understood these bible basics.

Humans make judgments about people that are based on what they see, hear, feel (i.e. emotions), and intellectually know about others. This contrasts with the way God judges which is to look at hearts. This means that all human judgments based on what people see, hear, feel and intellectually know are unjust and unfair. It also means that these judgments are sin. This explains the chaotic nature of the world.

Whenever we judge others based on what we can see, read and hear about them, we judge them preferentially or with partiality. This kind of judging is not God’s way because God judges hearts.  Whenever we judge others with human judgment, we disobey God’s commandments about justice, favoritism and partiality:

• James 2:8-9 If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF,” you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the Law as violators.
• Deuteronomy 10:17 “For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who does not show partiality, nor take a bribe.
• Deuteronomy 1:17 ‘You are not to show partiality in judgment; you shall hear the small and the great alike. You are not to be afraid of any person, for the judgment is God’s. The case that is too difficult for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it.’
• Deuteronomy 16:19  “You shall not distort justice, you shall not show partiality; and you shall not accept a bribe, because a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and distorts the words of the righteous. See this link for more about bribes.

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Examples of unjust, unfair judging include:

Preferential treatment for employee candidates and employees who are less qualified or experienced than others, receive preferential treatment based on personal relationships, age, gender, race, ethnicity, education, and religion.	Preferential treatment for job promotions for candidates who are less qualified or experienced than others, receive preferential treatment based on personal relationships, age, gender, race, education, and religion.
Unequal access community resources such as job opportunities, public services, food, education, housing, voting access, etc.	Unequal consequences for lawbreaking and misconduct.	Unequal access to information.
Unequal participation in political process and decision-making.	Unequal access to membership in exclusive social circles.	Unequal access to training, development, or other career advancement opportunities.

 

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BASIC PRINCIPLES OF LOVING YOUR NEIGHBOR
When most people think about loving their neighbor they think in terms of warm, affectionate feelings and random acts of kindness. While feelings and kind deeds can be elements of, human  love, they are not present in Godly love. Godly love begins in the heart where humans judge one another. What happens in the heart is what God looks at to determine if we obey his commandments to love him and our neighbors. Biblical commandments and judging cannot be understood without first understanding these biblical basics:

1st Category of law: Love God. Matthew 22:36-38 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”   And He said to him, ” ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’  “This is the great and foremost commandment.

2nd Category of law: Love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:39-40   “The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ “On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”

Commentary on this basic truth: All scriptures provide details about loving God or your neighbors. For example, the so-called Ten Commandments contain two categories of laws. Commandments 1-4 provide details about loving God:

1. You shall have no other gods before Me.
2. You shall not make idols.
3. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

And the second category of commandments provides details to the general command to love your neighbor as yourself. To make the point about the weight of these commandments, God says that obedience to them is more important than religious sacrifices and offerings and that these particular commands can be summed up as “love your neighbor as yourself.”

5. Honor your father and your mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet.

 It is important to notice that the first category of laws are positive (i.e. “do” these things) and that the second category of laws are all negative (i.e. “do not’) laws. This is a clue that loving your neighbor focuses on things we should not do. We see this principle clearly in these scriptures about judging and justice:

James 4:11-12 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you–who are you to judge your neighbor?

John 7:24  Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”

Exodus 23:3, 6 and do not show favoritism to a poor person in a lawsuit. .6 “Do not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits.

Deuteronomy 1:17 Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of anyone, for judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case too hard for you, and I will hear it.”

Deuteronomy 10:17 For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes.

Deuteronomy 16:19 Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the innocent.

Leviticus 19:14-16  ” ‘Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but fear your God. I am the LORD. 15 ” ‘Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly. 16 ” ‘Do not go about spreading slander among your people. ” ‘Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the LORD.

Because Jews and Christians make the gross mistake of interpreting the first five commandments — and many other scriptures — as religious laws — not spiritual laws — , they miss the intended meanings of God’s commandments. For examples, see this link, this link and this link. If they understood that the bible should be interpreted symbolically — not literally — they would not be religious at all. Then, not spending time, money and energy on religion, they might instead focus on loving their neighbors by obeying scriptures about not judging, not doing injustice, and loving their neighbors. In misinterpreting scripture, Jews and Christians communicate to the watching world the very wrong impression that God is all about obedience to silly religious laws when, in fact, God’s one and only priority is protecting the interests of poor, disadvantaged and marginalized people as they contend with wealthy people who have power over their lives. Jesus emphasized God’s priorities in the following scriptures which can be interpreted literally and symbolically. For purposes of this discussion, the emphasis is on the literal interpretation. Readers who are interested in bible symbolism should click on highlighted links. See Literal or Symbolic Interpretation Part 1 of 3, Literal or Symbolic Interpretation Part 2 of 3, and Literal or Symbolic Interpretation Part 3 of 3 for a thorough discussion of literal and symbolic interpretation of scripture.

Luke 6:20-21
Then he looked up at his disciples and said: ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.’

Luke 4:16-19
When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.’

Matthew 25:34-36
Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’

Mark 10:21-22
Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, ‘You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.

Mark 12:41-44
He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums.  A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.’

Luke 14:12-14
He said also to the one who had invited him, ‘When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.’

Luke 16:19-25
There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried.

Luke 11:39-42
Then the Lord said to him, ‘Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You fools! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? So give for alms those things that are within; and see, everything will be clean for you. But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and herbs of all kinds, and neglect justice and the love of God.’

These scriptures can be interpreted both literally and symbolically. Literal interpretations identify the poor in human terms. Symbolic interpretations identify the poor in spiritual terms. Either way, Jews and Christians don’t really understand how God feels about the poor or those who are oppressed by injustice. Nor do they understand that his commands to love their neighbors are meant to be intentional, aggressive interventions to make the world better for poor, marginalized, oppressed people — not optional add-ons for religious people.

Jews and Christians also make the mistake of interpreting the second set of commandments literally instead of symbolically. See this link for an example.

3rd Category of law: Human laws: God understands that human laws/rules and enforcement agencies like police and judges are necessary to ensure that cultures function smoothly and with minimum injustice. That means he wants all people in all cultures to be treated fairly, equitably and without favoritism or partiality.  He feels so strongly about fairness and equity that he considers words and deeds that do not establish fairness and equity to be sin.

Fairness and equity is what God had in mind when he gave the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself. His priority strategy for securing fairness and equity in the world is to write his laws on the hearts of people who love him and follow his commandments. This is his preferred way of preventing injustice because people who have his laws written on their hearts will always love all of their neighbors all the time and will never say or do anything that demonstrates favoritism and partiality toward some people but not others. In other words, people who have God’s laws written on their hearts do not discriminate in their judging of others. These are behaviors that the watching world will notice, admire and respect, and maybe adopt. If and when they do adopt these behaviors, the rate at which the world becomes a better place accelerates.

But, there are two main obstacles to God’s approach to minimizing injustice. The first problem is that few people have God’s laws written on their hearts. The second problem is that humans have a predisposition to perpetrate injustice by judging and treating others with favoritism and partiality because favoritism and partiality are baked into all cultures. That means that large institutions/businesses/governments have more opportunities for individuals in positions of authority to manipulate the institution/business/government for their personal interests. To accomplish this goal they will solicit bribes and contrive legal, self-serving laws and policies that will favor their interests while discriminating against others. Self-serving discrimination always creates injustice which God rigidly opposes. Discrimination does not make the world better.

 In a world characterized by uncontrolled discrimination of all kinds, everyone does what seems right in their own eyes. This is the world into which God sends true prophets, angels, messiahs, high priests, witnesses and warriors with his laws written on their hearts. Their job is to overcome injustice by confronting the world about the sin of favoritism and partiality. 

2ND BASIC TRUTH: JESUS’ COMMANDMENTS ARE GOD’S COMMANDMENTS.

When Jews think about God’s commandments, they focus exclusively on the 613 Mitzvot rituals by which their religion is identified. Christians focus on doctrines and rituals that they believe will earn their way to heaven. Neither religion pays any real attention to God’s commands about how to love your neighbor.

Moreover, Christians, who claim to love God and follow Jesus, ignore the commandments Jesus spoke about when he referred to “my commandments.” They are oblivious to the fact that everything Jesus did and said was totally guided by God. This means that Jesus never spoke any commandments that were uniquely his. All the commandments he verbalized were God’s commandments. With this understanding in mind, John 14:15  (“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments) should be translated this way:

If you love me and God you will keep his commandments that I have spoken to you.

And John 14:21 (Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him) should be translated this way:

Whoever has heard the commandments I spoke to you and keeps them loves both me and God. The ones who love us will be loved by God and I will reveal more about myself and God’s laws to him.

The clear, inescapable, implication of Christians’ disregard for all of God’s commandments is that they are ignorant of commandments about judging, favoritism and partiality. This ignorance positions them to be chronic sinners.

3RD BASIC TRUTH: GOD’S LAWS ARE TIMELESS AND ARE APPLICABLE IN ALL CULTURES.

The reason there is so much war, division and injustice in the world is that partiality and favoritism (i.e. discrimination) have always been present in all cultures. Sometimes people with authority are called out for injustice, but generally speaking, favoritism and partiality are legal and permissible in all cultures. The exception to this rule is in the Kingdom of God where all things are permissible but not all things are of benefit to everyone. God’s laws are intended to be applied uniformly and equitably across all cultures for the mutual benefit of all people. But that is not the way humans think as we see in these scriptures:

• • Proverbs 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes. But the Lord weighs the hearts.
  • Proverbs 16:2  All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but his motives are weighed out by the LORD.
  • Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a person who listens to advice is wise.
  • Isa 55:8-9 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.

With these scriptures in mind, here are three bits of advice worthy of consideration:

• • • It is impossible to love your neighbor by doing things that are permissible in your culture by not beneficial for others..
    • Some measure of sacrifice is necessary to love your neighbor..
    • If your understanding of scripture does not lead to personal rebuke and correction, you do not understand it correctly.

Another very important fact to keep in mind is that judging, partiality and favoritism are not three separate concepts. To judge is a verb that describes an intellectual/heart activity that evaluates information about people. Having made judgments, people then say and do things that are either righteous judgments or unrighteous judgments. Righteous judgments are consistent with God’s laws about loving your neighbor. Unrighteous judgments will be inconsistent with God’s laws about loving your neighbor.

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UNDERSTANDING THE MYSTERY OF GOD’S LAWS
The biblical issues of judging, favoritism and partiality are saturated with mystery because Jews and Christians try to understand them through the lens of their cultural experiences and religious beliefs. This leads to gross misunderstanding of what it means to love your neighbor.

Understanding begins by looking at the question of “law” because judging with partiality and favoritism always happens in the context of law. From there, we progress to understanding judging the way God — not man — sees judging. And then we will move on to the issues of favoritism and partiality as features of righteous and unrighteous judging which are keys to loving your neighbor.

TYPES OF LAWS Human Laws: Human laws are not spiritual laws. Some may be modelled after laws cited in the bible, but that does not mean they are spiritual. Human laws are always created by humans. They may be codified in writing or passed on informally through cultural traditions.  God understands the need for laws at all levels of human community. That is why he writes his laws on the hearts of people. That is also why he has given laws about obeying human laws that are not his. These laws are featured in Right Attitudes Toward Government and People in Authority. Spiritual Laws: The Bible uses the terms “laws” and “commandments” in slightly different but related ways: “Laws” generally refer to the entire system of instructions and regulations given by God, especially the Law of Moses contained in the first five books of the Bible (Genesis through Deuteronomy). This includes the Ten Commandments as well as the ceremonial, civil, and moral laws governing ancient Israelite society. “Commandments” specifically denote the direct imperatives or instructions given by God. The term can also apply to any other explicit command from God throughout Scripture. Commands, decrees, statutes, judgments and ordinances are all names for God’s spiritual laws. Furthermore, because Jesus spoke for God, all of his commandments must be interpreted as God’s commandments. . Human laws include the following: Religious Laws Created by People (typically men) Cultural Laws Created by People (typically men)  Civil Laws Created by People (typically men) Natural Laws Created by God Household Laws Created by Heads of Households Personal Laws Created by Individuals Institutional/government Laws: Created by People (typically men) Spiritual Laws include but are not limited to the following: : The spiritual meaning and intent of the literal, written Law of Moses. The laws upon which God’s eternal covenant are based. The laws to which God refers when he says to listen to and obey his voice and hear my words. Laws which are written on the heart according to the terms of the New Covenant. Laws reflecting God’s name (i.e. character) which are communicated by his spoken voice. The Bible assigns the following names to these laws: Law of Christ Law of God in the inner man Perfect Law of Liberty Royal Law Perpetual Allotment Law of Righteousness Law of Faith Law of the Spirit of Life Tree of Life Spiritual laws/commandments not typically thought of as laws include but are not limited to the following: God’s Commands About Doing Justice God’s Commands About How to Relate to Him and to One Another Attitudes and Behaviors in Religion and Politics Bless Your Enemies: Do Not Seek Revenge Choosing Friends, Making Alliances and Voting Forgive Your Enemies Truthfulness, Honesty and Integrity Practical, Doable Ways to Love Your Neighbors How to Relate to the Poor Prohibitions Against Giving and Receiving Bribes Do Not Judge with Favoritism and Partiality Right Attitudes Toward Government and People in Authority   DEFINITION OF JUDGE/JUDGING Human Laws Spiritual Laws English noun: referee, a person who impartially decides or resolves a dispute or  controversy English verb: appreciate, assess, conclude, consider, criticize, decide, derive, determine, discern, distinguish, draw, evaluate, examine, find, Hebrew: to judge, govern Greek: judge, concluded ,condemn, condemning, considered, decided, determined, determined, pass judgment Greek Condemn: to give judgment, condemn WHO SERVES AS JUDGES? Human Laws Spiritual Laws Religious Leaders police and judge members of their religion with respect to Religious Laws Members of unique cultures police and judge one another with respect to Cultural Laws  Civil Laws are designed, codified, policed and judged by elected and appointed civil authorities. Members of households police and judge one another with respect to Household Laws Individuals police and judge themselves with respect to Personal Laws they have adopted for themselves. Institutions and governments design, codify, police and judge people who live and work within their legal jurisdiction Laws. Almost all individuals act as informal, self-appointed judges in most cultures. They judge based on hearsay, gossip, slander and lies that circulate informally in all cultures. God executes judgment through his chosen, anointed agents who all function as judges. Jesus is an example of an anointed judge. New Covenant disciples true prophets angels messiahs high priests witnesses warriors God also executes judgment independently through his spirit speaking to hearts.  LAWS THAT JUDGES, JURIES, INDIVIDUALS CONSULT WHEN DETERMINING GUILT OR INNOCENCE? Human Laws Spiritual Laws  Religious Laws: bible; writings of religious leaders; oral history. Cultural Laws: oral history; historical practices. Civil Laws: established precedents; writing of legal scholars; codified laws adopted by governments. Household Laws: oral history; verbal commands. Personal Laws: oral history; miscellaneous cultural references Institutions: established precedents; codified policies and procedures. Self-appointed, informal judges will pass judgment on anyone regarding any laws. Their judgments are based on personal observations, hearsay, gossip and public news reports. Spiritual laws are identified as laws, commands, decrees, statutes, judgments and ordinances. These laws include, but are not limited to the following: God’s Commands About Doing Justice God’s Commands About How to Relate to Him and to One Another Attitudes and Behaviors in Religion and Politics Bless Your Enemies: Do Not Seek Revenge Choosing Friends, Making Alliances and Voting Forgive Your Enemies Truthfulness, Honesty and Integrity Practical, Doable Ways to Love Your Neighbors How to Relate to the Poor Prohibitions Against Giving and Receiving Bribes Do Not Judge with Favoritism and Partiality Right Attitudes Toward Government and People in Authority   WHERE  DOES JUDGING HAPPEN? Human Laws Spiritual Laws Procedures for enforcement and judging of civil human laws are stablished by each public and private lawgiving entity. Lawbreakers will typically be publicly confronted about their wrongdoing by authorities established by each entity.. Most judging happens informally by uninvolved third parties through verbal or written public gossip and slander. Judging done by private entities is usually done privately. Judging done by public authorities is usually done in public. Spiritual judges do their judging privately in their hearts and minds. Sometimes judges will confront lawbreakers privately with two or three witnesses. God is the ultimate authority for his agents. He reveals his judgments to the hearts of those agents as needed. God also judges the hearts of individuals who have not come under public scrutiny. He does this by speaking to their hearts with words that convicting them of sin.  WHAT DO JUDGES DO? Human Laws Spiritual Laws Human judges of egregious lawbreaking hear cases in public courts of law established by governments. Prosecutors in human courts present evidence that the defendant has broken civil laws or offended someone. The results of court findings are made public. Most judging happens informally by uninvolved third parties through verbal or written public gossip and slander. Spiritual judges and witnesses consider evidence that someone has broken God’s laws about loving your neighbors by looking at their behaviors and listening to their words. Spiritual judges may or may not solicit facts that support guilt or innocence from third party witnesses. Spiritual judges will never gossip about their findings or publish them. God also judges the hearts of individuals who have not come under public scrutiny. He does this by convicting them of sin in their hearts.  WHAT HAPPENS WHEN JUDGES AND JURIES FIND SOMEONE GUILTY? Human Laws Spiritual Laws Human judges and juries have authority to prescribe punishment (e.g.  prison, fines, public service, etc.) for wrongdoers. People found guilty are forced by civil authorities to submit to the prescribed punishment. Results of human courts are revealed in public. Forgiveness for wrongdoing is not a feature of human courts. Uninvolved third party judges will continue to judge guilt or innocence after official courts have rendered their verdicts. Uninvolved third party judges will continue to privately judge guilt or innocence no matter what happens publicly. Spiritual judges always forgive people they find guilty of breaking God’s commandments about loving their neighbor. Spiritual judges and witnesses do not reveal their evaluations or findings to anyone. Spiritual judges use their observations about guilt or innocence to inform their personal decisions about Choosing Friends, Making Alliances and Voting.   WHAT FACTS DO GOD AND HIS APPOINTED AGENTS CONSIDER WHEN JUDGING? WHAT FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES DO HUMAN JUDGES CONSIDER WHEN JUDGING? Motives (i.e. spirit) Wanton, evil actions/deeds/words. Heart, mind, will of the inner man Thoughts and intentions of the heart. Appointed judges in public courts of law consider these facts: Existing laws Court precedents Provable facts. Testimony of reliable witnesses. NOTES ABOUT THESE JUDGES: Appointed/elected judges are not spiritual judges but their judging is still righteous in God’s eyes if they do not judge with favoritism and partiality. Administrative judges in private entities (i.e. organizations, businesses, etc.)  enforce policies and procedures established by the entity’s governing body. Religious leaders consider these facts and circumstances about people they judge: Literal bible texts: Words, deeds and religious habits. What is good for the church/synagogue. Uninvolved, self-appointed third party judges consider these facts and circumstances about the people they judge: Hearsay/gossip. Observations of behaviors and words. Physical appearance, beauty. Charisma Political affiliations and beliefs. Potential personal benefits and/or disadvantages of judging someone favorably or unfavorably. Age, disability, status, friendship associations. Income and employment. Ethnicity, race and racial stereotypes Gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Intellect, speech patterns and education. Religious associations Social and economic status. Personal and family history. Where someone lives and how they live. ‎‎‎ NOTES ABOUT RELIGIOUS AND SELF-APPOINTED THIRD-PARTY JUDGES: The factors these judges consider are not spiritual because they are matters of the flesh — not matters of the heart. Consideration of these factors leads judges to make decisions  that will be beneficial for the judge and his community — not on matters of the heart of the accused person. When they demonstrate favoritism or partiality for someone, they judge based on what is good for them personally — not on facts or reason. Such judgments result in injustice which God hates. Lacking insights about heart conditions of those they are judging, religious and self-appointed judges make judgments based on what is in their own hearts — not the hearts of the ones who are judged. By using the evil thoughts and intents of their own hearts as the criteria/standards for judging others, these judges will default to decisions that will benefit or hurt them and their cohorts instead of judging on the condition of the heart of the one they are judging. Such self-serving judging is unjust, unfair, unrighteous judging that God calls sin. Judges who are not able to accurately judge the hearts of others will naturally judge others based on observable, external criteria (e.g. race, gender, intelligence, charisma, etc.). This is not how God judges. This kind of judging is unfair and unrighteous because it uses unspiritual standards to make a decision that should be based on spiritual standards. This habit is fully permissible in all cultures but it is not permissible in the Kingdom of God. INJUSTICE HAS REAL CONSEQUENCES Unjust judging contributes to social division and political partisanship in two ways. First, the guilty go unpunished. They never learn that their hearts are evil and why they should change their ways. If righteous judges practiced what God says about loving your neighbor, guilty parties would be confronted about their sin and educated about righteous judging. There is no way to predict how anyone will respond to confrontation, but guilty parties who are judged righteously in their hearts by God will at least have the opportunity to change their ways. After that, what happens depends on the strength of their pride.. The second problem is that innocent people will suffer for circumstances they have no control over when powerful, influential people who continue to create injustice are not confronted about their sins and not given the opportunity to change their evil ways. When self-serving judges make judgements based on favoritism and partiality, it will always be true that poor, marginalized people will suffer injustice. That is why God calls favoritism and partiality sin. SCRIPTURES PROHIBITING FAVORITISM AND PARTIALITY IN JUDGING The bible has much to say about favoritism and partiality; Here are a few of the most obvious verses: SCRIPTURES ABOUT JUDGING INTERPRETATION AND APPLICATION OF SCRIPTURE 1Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God does not see as man sees, since man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”   The occasion for this verse is God conceding to Israel’s demand for a human king. This message is not unique to the prophet Samuel. It applies to all people who consider themselves to be New Covenant disciples. The message is that New Covenant disciples should not judge people according their outward appearance but according to the condition of their hearts. Old/First Covenant religionists, on the other hand will judge people according to what they observe about them with their eyes and ears. Samuel is a true prophet just like Jesus. That means he spoke for God. To speak for God he first had to hear God’s spoken voice. Only then could he speak for God. Only then could Samuel judge the hearts of candidates for Israel’s new king. Only then could he choose David whose heart was aligned with God’s heart. John 7:24 24 “Do not judge by the outward appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” Righteous judgments look only at the heart. Leviticus 19:15  ‘You shall not do injustice in judgment; you shall not show partiality to the poor nor give preference to the great, but you are to judge your neighbor fairly. Injustice occurs when judges consider facts and circumstances other than the heart. God does not discriminate for or against anyone. He judges both rich and poor by the same standard: The condition of their hearts. Isaiah 11:3  And He will delight in the fear of the LORD, And He will not judge by what His eyes see, Nor make decisions by what His ears hear; The “he” in this scripture is not Jesus. It refers to all chosen, anointed agents who  function as God’s judges: New Covenant disciples true prophets angels messiahs high priests witnesses warriors People who judge others but are not included in the list of anointed agents judge others based on what their eyes see and their ears hear. Matthew7:1-2  “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. This warning not to judge applies to all people who are not God’s anointed agents. It does not apply to agents God sends to judge lawbreakers. Romans 2:1-3 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2 Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? People who discriminate for or against someone by considering facts and circumstances other than the condition of their heart condemn themselves as guilty of breaking God’s law of only judging hearts. God’s judgment is spiritual death. Luke 6:37  “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. There are two kinds of judgment: righteous and unrighteous. This verse is a warning against unrighteous judging. God’s anointed agents judge righteously because their judgment originates with God who always judges hearts righteously without condemnation. These agents will not be judged by God because they do not condemn those they judge and always forgive those they judge. The admonition “do not judge” applies uniquely to unrighteous, uninvolved, third-party judges who judge by other facts and circumstances and do not judge hearts. This kind of judging is always unrighteous and always condemns the person judged as unredeemable — even by God. Righteous judgment always include forgiveness. The only people who can judge righteously are those who have been convicted in their hearts of their own propensity to judge others with favoritism and partiality. Righteous judges are qualified to judge righteously because they have humbly admitted to God, themselves and others that, at one time,  they were  unrighteous judges who created injustice by practicing favoritism and partiality. Because they have been forgiven by God for their sin, righteous judges no longer condemn themselves for their sin. Therefore, they do not condemn others for their sins. If they condemned those they have forgiven, they would be hypocrites which would disqualify them from being righteous judges. The need for forgiveness is not present in unrighteous judges who see no need for personal forgiveness or for forgiveness for others. They do not recognize sin in their own hearts but are quick to judge the presence of sin in others. They do not understand the teaching about removing the speck in the eye. The need to forgive others hinges on the fact that everyone is a both victim and a perpetrator of unrighteous judging. As victims, they are obliged to forgive those who judged them. As repentant perpetrators of injustice they are obliged to do everything they can to restore justice by loving their neighbor with righteous judgments. Unrighteous judging makes the world worse and righteous judging makes the world better. Forgiveness of others for injustices they have caused us is an absolute condition for receiving forgiveness from God. This is what Jesus alluded to when he said “father forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing.” Forgiveness makes the world better, and unforgiveness makes the world worse. Luke 16:15 1 And He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the sight of people, but God knows your hearts; because that which is highly esteemed among people is detestable in the sight of God. This scripture is addressed to religious people who make names for themselves by putting their religion on display for others to see. Religious people do not understand that God only judges hearts or that the religious behaviors that religious people value/esteem are all detestable to God. John 8:15-16 “You judge according to the flesh; I am not judging anyone. 16 “But even if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone in it, but I and the Father who sent Me. Here Jesus says that he does not judge (i.e. form opinions) about people according to what he knows about them based on what he can assess using his human resources (i.e. eyes, ears, reason, intellect.) People who consider themselves to be followers of Jesus should have this same attitude. People who do judge others based on what they observe about them by using their eyes, ears and intellect are not true followers of Jesus. Acts 1:24 And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all people, show which one of these two You have chosen The people who prayed here are Jesus’ disciples. They first acknowledge that God knows the hearts of all people. By leaving the choice of a replacement disciple up to God, they are saying that he knows the hearts of the possible replacement disciples and they do not. All persons who consider themselves to be New Covenant disciples should have this same attitude. If they don’t have this attitude they are not true disciples. This attitude by Jesus’ disciples appears to be righteous but is not. They appear to be trusting God but what they are doing is asking God to affirm one of the two people they have chosen buy using human reason. 2Corinthians 5:16 Therefore from now on we recognize no one by the flesh; even though we have known Christ by the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer. The key word here is “recognize” which is translated from the Greek word “eido” which means behold, consider, perceive, know, remember, appreciate.. The application of this verse is that we do not recognize (i.e. judge, behold, consider, perceive, know, remember, appreciate) anyone based on what we observe about them with our eyes or ears. This verse also says that Paul, who is a New Covenant disciple and the author of the verse, once made the mistake of recognizing (i.e. beholding, considering, perceiving, knowing, and appreciating) Jesus based on what he saw and heard about him. In effect, Paul is saying that understanding Jesus as a human person is not the way to think of him. Instead of thinking of Jesus as a human, Paul regards him as a spokesperson for God. Also see Luke 18:9-14 and Romans 14:1-23 for parables Jesus told about judging. Both parables condemn religious people for judging others based on criteria other than the condition of their hearts. 1Co 4:3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. This is Paul writing. He is concerned about being judged by any human because he knows that God will judge him whenever necessary When he says that he does not judge himself and that his conscience is clear he means that, as far as he knows, his heart is clean and pure. However, he does allow also that his opinion of his heart might  not be accurate.  THE RIGHTEOUS ALTERNATIVE TO FAVORITISM AND PARTIALITY: JUDGE RIGHTEOUSLY AND FAIRLY When God said “do not judge” he did not mean to never judge. He does allow, and even prescribes righteous judgment. The following scriptures explain who can judge righteously. SCRIPTURES ABOUT JUDGING FAIRLY AND RIGHTEOUSLY INTERPRETATION AND APPLICATION OF SCRIPTURE Psalms 75:2 “When I select an appointed time, It is I who judge fairly. This is God speaking saying that the time for conviction of the sin of favoritism and partiality is his choice. He also says that his judgments are always fair and righteous. Deuteronomy 1:15-16 “So I took the heads of your tribes, wise and informed men, and appointed them as heads over you, commanders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, and officers for your tribes. 16 “Then I ordered your judges at that time, saying, ‘Hear the cases between your fellow countrymen and judge righteously between a person and his fellow countryman, or the stranger who is with him. The cases in view here are all circumstances where the actions of one party cause injustice for another party. The judges God appoints are New Covenant disciples (i.e. true prophets, angels, messiahs, high priests, witnesses and warriors.) These agents will judge the world fairly, without favoritism or partiality. Psalms 98:9  Before the LORD, for He is coming to judge the earth; He will judge the world with righteousness And the peoples with fairness. The term “world” is symbolic reference to the world of religion. This is reasonable symbolism because all culture in the physical word are controlled to some degree by one or more religions. Act 10:42 “And He ordered us to preach to the people, and to testify solemnly that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead. The judges God appoints are New Covenant disciples (i.e. true prophets, angels, messiahs, high priests, witnesses and warriors.) The message these agents preach is how to love your neighbor.  The living are those who are spiritually alive, and the dead are those who are spiritually dead. Act 17:31  because He has set a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all people by raising Him from the dead.” The appointed man is not a unique person called Jesus. God’s appointed agents include New Covenant disciples (i.e. true prophets, angels, messiahs, high priests, witnesses and warriors.) Psalms 67:4 May the nations be glad and sing for joy; For You will judge the peoples with fairness And guide the nations on the earth. Selah God’s appointed judges will teach the world how to love your neighbor. Psalms 96:10, 13 Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved; He will judge the peoples fairly.” 13 Before the LORD, for He is coming, For He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, And the peoples in His faithfulness. The world of religion is firmly established and has the appearance of being unshakable. But God’s judgment is strong enough to shake it. Psalms 72:2  May he judge Your people with righteousness And Your afflicted with justice. Justice for the afflicted is the goal of judgment. John 5:22  “For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son, “I can do nothing on My own. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of Him who sent Me. God judges through New Covenant disciples (i.e. true prophets, angels, messiahs, high priests, witnesses and warriors) who do not s their own will. John 5:30  By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me. New Covenant disciples (i.e. true prophets, angels, messiahs, high priests, witnesses and warriors) who do not judge to please themselves but to please God. They are different from unrighteous judges who apply favoritism and partiality to please themselves. John 5:27  and He gave Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man. New Covenant disciples (i.e. true prophets, angels, messiahs, high priests, witnesses and warriors) are all created in God’s image but they are still human (i.e. sons of man.) John 8:15-16 1″You judge according to the flesh; I am not judging anyone. 16 “But even if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone in it, but I and the Father who sent Me. This is Jesus speaking to religious people. He does not judge anyone by his personal standards of righteousness. The judgments he makes come from God because he speaks for God. That means his judgments are true. John 9:39  And Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” This statement is the attitude of all New Covenant disciples (i.e. true prophets, angels, messiahs, high priests, witnesses and warriors.) It is a clear acknowledgment that their life mission is to correct injustice. John 5:19  Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in the same way. Jesus is saying here that he speaks for God. With respect to judging, he is saying that he cannot judge anyone himself but that God  judges people through his words. John 6:38 “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. People who understand that heaven is in the heart understand that this verse does not mean that Jesus literally came down from a literal heaven. It means that he is actively involved in the world to do God’s will of correcting injustice. This is the attitude of all New Covenant disciples (i.e. true prophets, angels, messiahs, high priests, witnesses and warriors.) Deuteronomy 16:18-19 “You shall appoint for yourself judges and officers in all your towns which the LORD your God is giving you, according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment. 19 “You shall not distort justice, you shall not show partiality; and you shall not accept a bribe, because a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and distorts the words of the righteous. This is God’s command to Moses which is also his command to us. The commands that judges judge people righteously which means without favoritism and partiality. The command that connects righteous judging to not accepting bribes indicates the potential for unrighteous judging that inspired by some kind of reward for a favorable judgment. Isaiah 11:4 But with righteousness He will judge the poor, And decide with fairness for the humble of the earth; And He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked. The poor are always victims of unrighteous judgments which are always decided in favor of the proud, rich and powerful. God wants to change that equation so that the poor humble people will be judged fairly according to God’s standards of justice. Psalms 82:2 How long will you judge unjustly And show partiality to the wicked? This is God’s admonition of religious people who always judge with partiality for the benefit of proud, rich, powerful people. Psalms 58:1   Do you indeed speak righteousness, you gods? Do you judge fairly, you sons of mankind? This is directed at religious leaders who function as false gods/idols. They judge unrighteously  and unfairly. Proverbs 29:14 If a king judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever. This says that anyone who has a clean, pure heart can judge righteously. Proverbs 31:9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, And defend the rights of the poor and needy. This command to defend the rights of the poor and needy recognizes that too often they are victims of injustice created by unrighteous judges. Rev 19:2, 11 BECAUSE HIS JUDGMENTS ARE TRUE AND RIGHTEOUS; for He has judged the great prostitute who was corrupting the earth with her sexual immorality, and HE HAS AVENGED THE BLOOD OF HIS BOND-SERVANTS ON HER.” 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. See this link and this link for understanding of the symbolism of prostitutes and immorality. Psalms 9:7-8  But the LORD sits as King forever; He has established His throne for judgment, 8 And He will judge the world in righteousness; He will execute judgment for the peoples fairly. God’s throne is the heart of New Covenant disciples (i.e. true prophets, angels, messiahs, high priests, witnesses and warriors) to serve as God’s judges. These agents will judge the world fairly, without favoritism or partiality. 1Corinthians 6:2 Or do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? Psalms 98:8-9 Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; 9 let them sing before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity. Acts 17:31 For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.” John 12:47-50 “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. 49 For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. 50 I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.” Psalms 82:8 Rise up, O God, judge the earth, for all the nations are your inheritance. All these verses are about God judging the world of religion, They all reinforce God’s priority to establish justice for people who have been hurt and marginalized by judging that favors  proud, rich and powerful people.   CONSEQUENCES OF GOD’S RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENTS CONSEQUENCES OF MAN’S UNRIGHTEOUS JUDGMENTS Conviction of sin Heart change Humility Justice Equity under the law Eradication of discrimination of all kinds. Good government The world becomes a better place for everyone. Inequity Inequality Injustice Legal discrimination Illegal discrimination Pain, suffering and death World becomes a worse place for everyone   UNLEARNING CULTURAL PRACTICES OF UNRIGHTEOUS JUDGING Because the logic, reason and veracity of our judgments about others is confirmed by people we trust (e.g. family, friends, religious leaders and political leaders, etc.), the power of our opinions — whether positive or negative — of others grows over time and becomes embedded in our hearts and minds. It becomes nearly impossible, therefore, to change our negative and/or partial/preferential feelings about others or our attitudes about ourselves with respect to others. These attitudes become “baked in” to cultures. When we think about ourselves compared to others (i.e. better than others or worse than others) we commit the sin of partiality and favoritism.  The problem is that favoritism and partiality are accepted human habits that are not only permitted, but even encouraged, and in all cultures. Consider the following truths that apply globally: Cultural Practices Evidence that Favoritism and Partiality Exist and Create Inequities for Oppressed Groups Patriarchy: a social system in which power is held by men, through cultural norms and customs that favor men and withhold opportunity from women: Misogyny: ingrained and institutionalized prejudice against women; sexism. Research results indicate that misogyny remains deeply entrenched in many cultures, manifesting in political discourse, institutional practices, interpersonal interactions, and broader societal attitudes. See this link for understanding of the relationship between patriarchy  and misogyny. Misogynistic norms are pervasive societal expectations and beliefs that enforce the subordination of women and maintain male dominance. See this link for more about misogyny, Examples of misogyny include: Lack of gender diversity in politics, religion and business are indicators of institutional sexism. Misogynistic views see women as manipulative, deceitful, or needing to be “kept in their place.” Sexist behaviors are sometimes justified with the excuse of “boys will be boys”.  Women are expected to be more “ladylike”; they are judged for not fitting feminine stereotypes, they are commonly judged about their appearance, and receive unwanted sexual attention. Xenophobia: fear or hatred of strangers or foreigners. Nationalism: a sense of national consciousness exalting one nation above all others and placing primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations or supranational groups Nativism: a policy of favoring native inhabitants as opposed to immigrants Globally, experts have reported that racism and xenophobia have been increasing in recent years, fueled by issues like the migration crisis and social anxieties about demographic shifts. Colonialism: domination of a people or area by a foreign state or nation : the practice of extending and maintaining a nation’s political and economic control over another people or area Academically speaking, there are three types of colonialism: manifest, latent, and neocolonialism. Latent colonialism refers to the unconscious, deeply-rooted assumptions and stereotypes about non-white, non-European populations that permeated Western thought and writing. It is the fixed idea that non-white, non-European nations are static, backward, sensual, and in need of Western interpretation and domination. Manifest colonialism is defined as “the policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, or people group, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.” The expansion of the United States westward fits this definition, as the U.S. government forcibly took control of Native American lands, displaced or killed the indigenous populations, and settled the territories with American citizens. This process was driven by an imperialist ideology that viewed the Native Americans and Mexicans as “inferior” and in need of “civilization” by the superior American settlers. It was a form of continental colonialism, similar to the European colonization of Africa and the Americas, but often not viewed with the same level of criticism. Neocolonialism refers to the indirect economic and political control that a powerful country exerts over a nominally independent, usually developing country, in order to maintain its influence and access to resources, even after formal colonization has ended Racism Research in the following disparities indicates that structural racism is deeply rooted in American: 10 Examples of Systemic Racism in the USA Black K-12 students are almost 4 times more likely than white students to receive out-of-school suspensions. School districts with more Black, Native, and Latino students receive significantly less revenue than districts with fewer students of color.3 There are racial disparities in access to gifted education programs, even after adjusting for factors like standardized test scores.3 Black and Latino workers are underrepresented in high-paying management and professional occupations compared to white and Asian workers. Research indicates that racial discrimination and voter suppression are deeply entrenched issues in the United States, with a long history of efforts to limit the political power of Black Americans and other communities of color. Some states are increasing efforts to suppress voting rights. Resumes with “white-sounding” names receive 50% more callbacks for interviews compared to those with “Black-sounding” names, even with the same qualifications. The children of white households in the bottom income quartile are much more likely to move up the economic ladder compared to the children of Black households. Redlining and other discriminatory housing policies have limited homeownership opportunities for Black Americans, contributing to the racial wealth gap. Black patients are significantly less likely to receive pain medication, even when their reported pain levels are the same as white patients.3 Only around 5% of doctors in the U.S. are Black, while the majority (56%) are white.3 Black drivers are 20% more likely to be pulled over by police, and 1.5-2 times more likely to be searched during a traffic stop, despite being less likely to be carrying contraband. Strong public opposition to non-white immigrants. History of oppression of slaves and indigenous cultures. Homophobia and transphobia Research indicates that homophobia, transphobia, and related hate speech have been on the rise globally, with increases in hate crimes, anti-LGBTQ rhetoric and policies, and the proliferation of online hate speech targeting LGBTQ individuals. This trend exists despite growing public support for LGBTQ rights in many countries. Religion Globally, all religions work hard to distinguish themselves from other religions. Most religions actively strategize to attract followers from other religions to their religion. Religions and governments in some countries openly discriminate against members of other religions and violently oppress them. Politics Politics always function in an environment of favoritism and partiality. Slavery and Human Trafficking Slavery has always been a feature of world history. ‎‎ In the above list, only Slavery and Human Trafficking are illegal. All the other cultural practices are technically legal even if not fully endorsed by governments or individuals. General acceptance of cultural practices listed above testifies to the degree that favoritism and partiality are baked in to all cultures, politics and religions. Jews and Christians who say that this is the way the world has always been and will always be demonstrate weak faith that God can make the world better. More than that, they show that they are comfortable and accepting of a world that practices favoritism and partiality and that they are unwilling to make any personal sacrifices to make the world better. Their attitude says that they have all they want/need and are ignorant about injustices they and others perpetrate on poor, marginalized people. Ignorance of God’s laws about favoritism and partiality are the reason the world is in the shape it is in. This reality strongly suggests that the rest of the world should not expect Judaism and Christianity will not be leaders in efforts to make the world better. But, who knows for sure? If Jews and Christians would shed their religion and take God’s command to love your neighbor seriously, anything is possible.   SCRIPTURES ABOUT FAVORITISM, PARTIALITY, EVIL, CORRUPTION, WICKEDNESS   2Chronicles 19:7  “Now then, let the fear of the LORD be upon you; be careful about what you do, for the LORD our God will have no part in injustice or partiality, or in the taking of a bribe.” Malachi 2:9 “So I also have made you despised and of low reputation in the view of all the people, since you are not keeping My ways but are showing partiality in the instruction.” Acts 10:34-35 I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. Galatians 2:6 But from those who were of considerable repute (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no favoritism)–well, those who were of repute contributed nothing to me. Romans 2:11-12  For there is no partiality with God. 12 For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law; Ephesians 6:7-9 With goodwill render service, as to the Lord, and not to people, 8 knowing that whatever good thing each one does, he will receive this back from the Lord, whether slave or free. 9 And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him. Colossians 3:25 For the one who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality. Exodus 23:3 nor shall you show favor to a poor person in his dispute. 1Timothy 5:21  I solemnly exhort you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality. James 2:1 My brothers and sisters, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. 1Peter 1:17 If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; Luke 20:21 And the spies questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You speak and teach correctly, and You are not partial to anyone, but You teach the way of God on the basis of truth. James 3:16-17 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, free of hypocrisy. Job 32:21-22 “Let me be partial to no one, Nor flatter any man. 22 “For I do not know how to flatter, Otherwise my Maker would quickly take me away. Job 34:18-19  Who says to a king, ‘You worthless one,’ To nobles, ‘You wicked one’; 19 Who shows no partiality to the prominent, Nor regards the rich as above the poor, Since they are all the work of His hands? Job 13:10  “He will certainly punish you If you secretly show partiality. Proverbs 18:5 To show partiality to the wicked is not good, Nor to suppress the righteous in judgment. Proverbs 28:21  To show partiality is not good, Because for a piece of bread a man will do wrong. Provers 24:23  These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judgment is not good. Psalms 82:2 How long will you judge unjustly And show partiality to the wicked? Mark 12:14 They came and said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are truthful and do not care what anyone thinks; for You are not partial to anyone, but You teach the way of God in truth. Philippians 2:3-5 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one. Deuteronomy 1:17 Show no partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be intimidated by anyone, for judgment belongs to God. Leviticus 19:9-18 ‘You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another. ‘And you shall not swear falsely ‘You shall not oppress your neighbor, nor rob him. The wages of a hired worker are not to remain with you all night until morning. ‘You shall not curse a person who is deaf, nor put a stumbling block before a person who is blind, ‘You shall not do injustice in judgment you shall not show partiality to the poor nor give preference to the great you are to judge your neighbor fairly. ‘You shall not go about as a slanderer among your people; you are not to jeopardize the life of your neighbor. ‘You shall not hate your fellow countryman in your heart; you may certainly rebuke your neighbor, but you are not to incur sin because of him. ‘You shall not take vengeance, nor hold any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; These verses are a useful summary of all God’s commands about loving your neighbor. People who want to take loving your neighbor seriously would do well to print these verses on a card and post it in a conspicuous place for convenient reference. Jews and Christians would do well to also share these verses with their co-religionists in Sunday school, sermons, bible studies and on social media.   Proverbs 24:23 To show partiality in judgment is not good. 1Timothy 5:20-21 Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning. 21 I solemnly exhort you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of his chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality. Deuteronomy 16:19 You must not pervert justice or show favor. Do not take a bribe, for bribes blind the eyes of the wise and distort the words of the righteous. James 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Romans 2:11  For God does not show favoritism. Deuteronomy 10:17 For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. Deuteronomy 1:17 Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of anyone, for judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case too hard for you, and I will hear it.” Job 34:19 who shows no partiality to princes and does not favor the rich over the poor, for they are all the work of his hands? Romans 9:14  What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! Acts 10:34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism. Galatians 2:6  As for those who were held in high esteem–whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism–they added nothing to my message. Ephesians 6:9  And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him. Colossians 3:25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism. 2Chronicles 19:7 Now let the fear of the LORD be on you. Judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.” Job 34:10  “So listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do evil, from the Almighty to do wrong. Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. Psalms 53:1  The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good. Psalms 7:11  God is a righteous judge, a God who displays his wrath every day. Ezekiel  45:9 9 ” ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: You have gone far enough, princes of Israel! Give up your violence and oppression and do what is just and right. Stop dispossessing my people, declares the Sovereign LORD. Deuteronomy 25:16 For the LORD your God detests anyone who does these things, anyone who deals dishonestly. Romans 1:18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, Psalms 94:20  Can a corrupt throne be allied with you–a throne that brings on misery by its decrees? Psalms 58:10 10 The righteous will be glad when they are avenged, when they dip their feet in the blood of the wicked. Job 22:23  If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored: If you remove wickedness far from your tent. Zephaniah 3:5 The LORD within her is righteous; he does no wrong. Morning by morning he dispenses his justice, and every new day he does not fail, yet the unrighteous know no shame. Psalms 92:15 proclaiming, “The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.” Proverbs 22:8 Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity, and the rod they wield in fury will be broken. Psalms 125:3 The scepter of the wicked will not remain over the land allotted to the righteous, for then the righteous might use their hands to do evil. Acts 15:5-9  Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the law of Moses.” 6 The apostles and elders met to consider this question. 7 After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. 8 God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. 9 He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. CONCLUDING THOUGHTS ABOUT FAVORITISM AND PARTIALITY In the world there are no prohibitions against favoritism and partiality. In fact, in many cultures and institutions — including partisan politics  and religion — favoritism and partiality are the common currencies that make institutions work. That fact, however, should not be taken as license to practice favoritism and partiality. Consider these verses: 1Corinthians 10:22-24  Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? We are not stronger than He, are we? 23 All things are permitted, but not all things are of benefit. All things are permitted, but not all things build people up. 24 No one is to seek his own advantage, but rather that of his neighbor.  1Corinthians 6:12   12 All things are permitted for me, but not all things are of benefit. All things are permitted for me, but I will not be mastered by anything. ‎‎ What these scriptures say is that showing favoritism/partiality to someone or some group of people is permissible according to cultural standards and laws, but that these practices are not beneficial according to God’s standards when the following conditions exist: 1. People who extend favor/partiality/deference/bribes/praise/honor to someone or some group, they primarily do so as a means of gaining a personal advantage or benefit (e.g. money, power, influence, security etc.) of some kind from the individual or group who benefits from the favoritism/partiality. This kind of “quid-pro-quo” exchange is common and legal in most cultures but not in God’s kingdom because God has given clear commands prohibiting bribery. The problem is that people show favoritism and partiality for their own advantage — not for the benefit of their neighbor. That means that favoritism and partiality directly oppose the goal of making the world better by loving your neighbor. 2. When favoritism/partiality extended to one person or group happens at the expense of others, favoritism/partiality is not beneficial from God’s point of view.  Favoritism  and partiality create cultural systems of haves and have nots., insiders and outsiders, winners and losers, great and small, rich and poor, masters and slaves. These separations of people is totally opposite of God’s standards of unity and oneness. God feels so strongly about this principle that he calls favoritism/partiality sin. God takes this very strong position on favoritism/partiality because these attitudes are inconsistent with his command to love your neighbor as you love yourself which he says is equal in value to loving him. The way to interpret this radical position, therefore, is to say that showing favoritism/partiality to someone is to place that person whom you favor ahead of God in your heart. That, of course, is idolatry. When we show favoritism to a person or organization we elevate that person or organization to a position ahead of God in our heart. God considers that any person, ideology  or  organization that takes his place in our heart to be an idol. Idols are people and organizations that have rules and regulations (i.e. laws) and values that they adopt to keep order while in pursuit of their goals. In other words, idols are not statues made of wood, metal or stone. You will know that the person/organization is an idol for you if you obey their laws instead of God’s Spiritual laws which are written on our hearts. More specifically, you will know that you have idols in your heart if you do not obey all of God’s commands about loving your neighbor as yourself. People who obey God’s Spiritual laws about loving your neighbor naturally love God, themselves and their neighbors without effort. When people obey other laws they put those laws ahead of God’s laws. Those people are idolaters. In God’s view, any hint of favoritism or partiality immediately divides people in big ways and small ways. God is opposed to such attitudes and makes his point clear by calling favoritism and partiality sin. This attitude will no doubt seem excessively restrictive to anyone who does not take loving your neighbor seriously. Nevertheless, we must admit that God’s attitudes about loving your neighbor as you love yourself are critical to making the world better for everyone.