Introduction
Partiality and favoritism in religion are as common today as they have been in the history of man. A constant wrestling persists over who is superior, who is right, and who is favored by God. This controversy should have come to an end in the first century. We read in the book of Acts that our Father is not partial – He is no respecter of persons.
“Opening his mouth, Peter said: “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him. “The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all).”
– Acts 10:34-36
This means that the Father does not look at one’s station in life – how successful or unsuccessful – nor what nation, race, gender, or religion one belongs to, or any other matter that can be examined by the eyes to determine to whom to give His favor and support. He gives it equally to all persons. But only the one whose heart is complete toward the Father will be able to open the door to receive it. Who opens the door is a personal matter that outsiders cannot judge.
“The person with the Spirit makes judgments about all things, but such a person is not subject to merely human judgments.”
– 1 Corinthians 2:15
This knowledge should compel each of us to imitate the spirit of our Father and accept as our brothers all who seek to please God, while at the same time not judging those who are struggling or still growing in their faith, since none are yet perfect in faith. We are reminded of the words of the psalmist:
“If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?”
– Psalms 130:3
As long as there is breath in the body, there is opportunity to change one’s course and follow the Christ in the way he taught and demonstrated to us. Just as the passage of time has allowed many who now confess the Christ to find their way, the passage of time will allow others who are now misled or unsure to also find their way to the Christ. This fact should move all to have and maintain patient impartiality toward all of mankind, no matter how far away they currently stand from the Father and His Christ.
The Spirit of Truth is truly roving about and doing his work as the very presence of Christ Jesus, and is causing startling and wonderful changes to take place in our day – changes that many once concluded were impossible; changes that strengthen our faith and give us hope that the plain and open teachings of Jesus can bring an end to sorrow, suffering and pangs of distress (Matthew 24:14), and ‘bring heaven down.’
