These two words: preference or partiality are sometime used interchangeable but for the most part they have different meanings for us. The Bible tells us that God does not show favoritism (Romans 2:11 NIV), and that there is no partiality with God (MEV). And yet, at the same time, Romans 12:10 instructs us to love each other as brothers and sisters and honor others more than you do yourself (CEV).

Everyone has experienced merited preferential treatment from time to time for a special accomplishment. This makes us feel respected, and honored. But the flip side is when we experience partiality treatment that’s made by unfair bias and comparisons without regard to any merit of accomplishments.

There is a major difference between showing preferential treatment in acknowledging a person’s accomplishment, as opposed to showing partiality to one person over another based on one’s likes or dislikes. Let’s look at the differences and what God says.

1) Showing partiality will always elevate one person over another at the expense of another. Showing partiality is based on judgments, likes and dislikes, not merit. Showing partiality usually fails to show mercy, respect, and honor because the spirit behind partiality has as its hidden agenda the purpose to cause discord, jealousy, and envy.

James 2:1-9 tells us that if we show partiality in this manner, we are guilty of sin. And, according to James 2:13, showing partiality is judgment without mercy. Mercy is supposed to triumph over judgment.

2) Showing preference is has more to do more with recognizing the accomplishments of a person; giving honor and respect to a person without partiality or judgment. Romans 12:10 instructs us to be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another. Philippians 2:3-4 teaches that nothing is to be done through strife, or pride in oneself.

Now, lest you think this is only a modern-day problem, think again. God told Samuel to look at the sons of Jesse for the one whom he was to anoint to be King. The Lord also told Samuel to not look at the outward appearance; for the Lord does not see as man sees; for the Lord looks at the heart. None of Jesse’s older sons were who the Lord wanted, even though outwardly they looked good in stature. It was David – the one who had a heart after God, the son the others didn’t even consider!  (1 Samuel 16)

Then Jesus said in Matthew 23:25, that the Scribes and Pharisees were guilty of extortion and self-indulgence even though they had an outward appearance of being holy. He related this to a cup being cleaned on the outside but the inside left dirty. (Matthew 23:25-26)

It all comes down to the condition of our heart – is it filled with the holiness of God or the views of the world. Never discount the purity of the heart of a person strictly by their outward appearance. They may not have designer clothes but their heart carries a desire for the Lord.

The world’s way to give recognition is based on our merits of accomplishments, a job well done, etc. But it can still be susceptible to biased partiality and turn our heart into self-righteous filthy rags. But God’s way is based on what Jesus has done by providing Salvation by His death and resurrection. God is not influenced by thoughts of partiality of how good we have been or not been, but on the perfect work of the Blood of Jesus which has washed away all our worldly merits.

Truly the only merit (good works) we can rely on successfully and truthfully is what Jesus accomplished on the Cross and His resurrection. Good works are needed but they are to be a result of our Salvation and our relationship with Jesus, not as a means of working for our salvation.

God does not show partiality between His children, He does not love one more than another, but He does honor our faith when we obey His Word and believe for the blessings of His Word.