No Room for Partiality: Seeing People Through God’s Eyes

At Lakeview Christian Church, we believe every person has immeasurable worth because every person is made in the image of God. Our mission is clear: “Be the change as Jesus has changed us.” But what does that really mean in a world obsessed with appearances, status, and outward distinctions? The answer comes straight from James 2, where the Bible calls out the sin of partiality and challenges us to see others through the eyes of Christ.

The Sin of Partiality: More Than Just a Social Problem

Partiality isn’t just a cultural quirk or a harmless habit. In Scripture, it is a serious spiritual issue. In James 2:1-4 (ESV), we read:

“My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, ‘You sit here in a good place,’ while you say to the poor man, ‘You stand over there,’ or, ‘Sit down at my feet,’ have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?”

James is crystal clear: showing favoritism based on outward appearance, wealth, or social status is not compatible with following Jesus. The word “partiality” here means making distinctions based on what we see on the outside. It’s not simply noticing differences—it’s letting those differences determine a person’s value.

The Danger of Judging by Appearances

Our world trains us to size people up at a glance. What are they wearing? What kind of car did they drive? Are they “put together” or do they seem out of place? But as Pastor Jim recently preached, “Don’t claim to follow Jesus and treat people differently. It doesn’t matter what they look like. Doesn’t matter what they wear. Doesn’t matter what they drive in, or if they walk in, or if they ride their bicycle. It doesn’t matter.”

James goes further, warning that when we make these outward distinctions, we “become judges with evil thoughts.” Notice, he doesn’t say “ill-willed” or “improper” thoughts—it is “evil thoughts.” Scripture isn’t pulling any punches. The real issue is not that we notice someone’s clothes or their circumstances, but that we let those things determine how much respect, kindness, or attention we give.

Christ’s Radical Welcome

Jesus’ life and ministry stand in stark contrast to the world’s standards. He welcomed the poor, the outcast, the sinner, and the marginalized. In Luke 7:44-47 (ESV), Jesus rebukes a Pharisee for looking down on a “sinful woman,” teaching us that love and humility—not outward distinctions—are what matter to God.

The apostle Paul echoes this truth in Galatians 3:28 (ESV):

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

At Lakeview Christian Church, we strive to embody this radical welcome—not just on Sundays, but every day. Our commitment is to value every individual as God does, regardless of their background, appearance, or circumstances.

“Just 3”: Study, Share, Serve

Our mission to “Be the change as Jesus has changed us” is lived out through our “Just 3” pathway:

• Study: We study God’s Word to know His heart for all people. Verses like 1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV) remind us, “For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”
• Share: We share our lives, stories, and faith with those around us—especially those who may feel overlooked or undervalued. This means listening well, reaching out, and refusing to let outward differences become barriers.
• Serve: We put love into action by serving others, not out of obligation, but as a reflection of Christ’s love for us. Service is where faith becomes visible, and barriers break down.

Be the Change

The gospel flips the world’s values upside down. Where the world asks, “What can this person do for me?” Jesus asks, “How can I love and serve this person?” When we refuse to show partiality, we reflect the heart of God and become a church where everyone is truly welcome.

If you’re looking for a faith community that values every person and seeks to live out the gospel in real, everyday ways, we invite you to join us at Lakeview Christian Church. Together, let’s Study, Share, and Serve—so we can be the change our world desperately needs.