My Favorite Verses - Vol V (Feb 17 to Jun 17)

James 2:9 … Knowing partiality as Sin
(05/24/2017)
“If you show partiality, you commit sin”
~ James (James 2:9)
First & foremost, we cannot fully understand this verse unless we fully
understand its two primary terms – with “to show partiality” actually being the
Greek prosopolempteite, (a word that is just as appropriately translated as “to show
unjust preference for one over another” -- see Strong‟s #4380), and “sin” actually
being the Greek hamartian,(a word that actually meant “to miss the mark” or “ to fail
to reflect one‟s True Self” -- see Strong‟s #266). As such, what this verse actually
has James saying is the profound Truth that “If one shows an unjust preference
for some over others, he or she neglects to reflect the deeper Loving Essence of
their own Soul” (see Matthew 5:43-48 – the logic of “Loving the enemy”, and John
14:20 – the Truth that “the Christ”, or the conscient Soul that Loves without limit,
resides within us all).
And so, keeping this all in mind, how is it that we “show partiality”?
How is it that we “commit sin” in this manner? Well, judging others based on
their race or their gender or their sexual preference or their creed “shows
partiality” (see Matthew 7:1-2) … and refusing to forgive those who trespass
against us “shows partiality” (see Matthew 18:21-22) … and refusing to Care for
our enemies “shows partiality” (see Matthew 5:43-48) … and believing that our
personal interpretations of
theology &/or preferred
beliefs of the Scriptures are
the only ones that are correct
“shows partiality”(see
Matthew 18:3-4) … and
avoiding strangers (especially
the downtrodden) because it
could prove to be
uncomfortable or because
they could be dangerous
“shows partiality” (see
Matthew 25:35-40) … and
harboring an attachment to
our own possessions instead
of sharing them with those in
greater need “shows
partiality” (see Matthew 16:28
& Matthew 19:21).
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