James 2: 1-13
Human beings are not naturally inclined to be impartial. We tend to put people in pigeonholes, in predetermined categories, ranking them by their looks, their clothes, their race or ethnicity, their social status, their personality, their intelligence, their wealth and power, by the kind of car they drive, and by the type of house and neighbourhood they live in. But those things are non-issues with God and are of no significance to Him. God looks at the heart and loves all people equally. He wants us to do the same.
Partiality refers to exalting someone strictly on a superficial, external basis such as appearance, race, wealth, rank or social status, without consideration of a person’s true merits, abilities, or character.
Shown partiality (v4) is the true nature of the sin in this passage, not the lavish apparel or rings of the rich man or that he was given a good seat.
There will be no poor in heaven in any sense, no second-class citizens. Everyone will be rich in the things that matter eternally. Every believer will receive the same eternal life, the same heavenly citizenship in the kingdom of God, and the same perfect righteousness of Christ imputed to them by the Father.
Excerpt from James: Guidelines for a Happy Christian Life by John MacArthur
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