Ephesians 6:9
“And masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.”
What gets my attention in this verse is the last phrase, “there is no partiality with Him”. I love this. In the world there is much partiality. It reminds me of high school with the popular crowd. It reminds me of celebrities, they associate with one another.
I love many things about Jesus, but His identification with the lowly and the challenging of the rich and powerful is great. I know some of it isn’t pure on my end, as I shouldn’t enjoy the downfall of others, but it is such a contrast.
Several themes in the Sermon on the Mount are addressed about God’s impartiality. They are in Matthew 5. The first is “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (v. 3), “Blessed are the gentle, for they will inherit the earth”, (v.5), “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy”, (v. 7).
While poor in spirit doesn’t mean financially poor, it refers to the identification of being needful of help and admitting it. Those focused on status don’t do this. It requires the breaking away from the group. It involves identifying with God. This is frowned upon in particular groups. Those that aren’t locked in with partiality can do this.
Another reason some don’t admit their sin is that they are blind to it. They may know that they aren’t perfect, but they are focused on the shortcomings of others. Jesus points this out in Matthew 7:3, “Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but fail to notice the beam in your own eye?” This would be a surprise to most. To discover that they are far more annoying to others that they are aware of.
About the elite groups associating with each other. I can’t just focus on the upper groups, as the lower groups have their associations which they have a hard time breaking with. Going contrary to one’s group is difficult. But to identify with God, we often have to go against our group. This can be done gently.
We all have our friend groups, but there is to be an understanding that God and His ways are primary. It’s possible that allegiance to God and His principles leads us in and out of groups. Jesus lived this. He challenged the powerful, but would connect with those of that class that were humble enough to step out (Nicodemus). Jesus had his group, the disciples, but would challenge them. He rebuked Peter and others.
That doesn’t mean we should be unsafe and threatening. If we see an offense we begin by being respectful and doing so privately. Paul, in Galatians 6:1 shares what our attitude should be, “Brothers and sisters, even if a person is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you are not tempted as well.” We do it gently. It also says that we are quite aware of our spiritual poverty. We know that our strength is in God and that as soon as we see ourselves as self sufficient, then we are susceptible to falling. We aren’t to look down at our fallen brother.
The next beatitude is to be gentle or meek. Someone pointed out five or so years ago that I was gentle. It surprised me. I’d never thought about it. Then it came to mind why some students appreciate me, that I don’t seek to embarrass them, but to teach them patiently.
Of course I attribute that to God, as I used to have a head full of negatives which wouldn’t propel me to gentleness. Also, once I boast in my gentleness I am susceptible to becoming proud and losing that.
Jesus’ last beatitude mentioned was about being merciful. If we are in Christ we are quite aware that we are sinful and in need of forgiveness. We ask for God’s help all the time. We also know that if we aren’t merciful, we won’t receive mercy.
Circling back to the topic of showing partiality. God isn’t a respecter of persons, nor should we be. Talking about the beatitudes is opposite to being partial. Jesus said in Matthew 16:24, ‘Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.”‘ When we have tendencies to favor some, we pray as ask for help to love all equally.
Thank You, God for Your example of impartiality. Help us to love all, to be kind and gentle to all and to be merciful to all.