ESOCS Devotional 20 February 2025 – Don’t Be Partial
MEMORY VERSE: “I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.” 1 Timothy 5:21 KJV
TEXT: 1 TIMOTHY 5:13-25
And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. 14 Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 15 For some have already turned aside after Satan. 16 If any believing man or woman has widows, let them [b]relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.
17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” 19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. 20 Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.
21 I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality. 22 Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure.
23 No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.
24 Some men’s sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. 25 Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.
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God is not partial; so, believers must not show favouritism in their dealings with people, especially among themselves. Although there are economic and class distinctions among people in the world and in the church, such should not influence the fellowship of Christians. God does not show favouritism.
Often we treat a well–dressed, impressive looking person better than someone who looks poor. We do this because we would rather identify with successful people than with apparent failures. The irony, as James reminded us in James 2:1-10, is that the supposed impressive looking person may have gained the impressive lifestyle at our expense. It is happening in our society today.
If any believer wants to live a godly life, he must emulate in his life the character of God. Christians must not show favouritism to any fellow Christians on grounds of wealth, status, fame, relationship of any type, etc. Do you favour the “haves” while ignoring the “have nots”? This attitude is sinful. God sees all persons as equals and if He favours anyone, it is the poor and the powerless. We should follow His example. Do nothing by partiality!
CHALLENGES
- Partiality is ruling the world and the church.
PRAYER POINT
- Father, I pray to treat all men as equal, in Jesus name.
FURTHER READING: Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 1:17; Matthew 22:16; Acts 10:34, 35
ESOCS Devotional 20 February 2025
