James 2:9 … Knowing partiality as Sin (05/24/17)
“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” as well (see Matthew 16:28 & Matthew 19:21).
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