Favoritism, discrimination, and mercy

For the full context of this post read James 2: 1- 13

We choose to avoid topics such as prejudice, racism, bigotry, and hate. They are not politically correct, and they make us uncomfortable. We prefer to brush these realities under the table and insist that we love everyone equally. James did not shy away from addressing these issues. He shares an example of how we discriminate among ourselves and become judges with evil thoughts. His example holds relevance for our current culture.

1 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2: 1-4, 12-13, NIV).

James states that when we show special attention to a man dressed with fine clothes and jewelry we show favoritism. We may knowingly do this. This type of favoritism is explicit bias. Explicit biases are biases for or against someone which we know that we have. When we knowingly show favoritism to someone who appears wealthy, we show explicit bias for, or favoritism towards, that person.

There is another type of bias which exists. Implicit biases are biases for or against someone which we don’t know that we have. We might never willingly show favoritism to a wealthy person, but how we treat the poor person in James’ example may reveal an implicit bias against the poor. We might not knowingly or willfully discriminate against that person, but are there implicit biases that are so deep within us that we fail to recognize when we discriminate?

Do you have more patience or understanding for those who look like you than you do to those who do not? This is implicit bias. Do you cross the street to avoid a homeless person? This may be implicit bias. Do you feel a little bit better than this person, or like you deserve more than that person? This may be because of implicit bias.

James encouraged us not to show favoritism. Whether we want to acknowledge it or not, we all have biases. We can make sure that explicit favoritism doesn’t exist in our lives, but how do we resolve the implicit biases which result in discrimination? We should begin by reflecting on our experiences, actions, and beliefs to determine if there are ways in which we unknowingly discriminate against others. When we recognize our own implicit biases, we are ready to begin to take steps towards eliminating discrimination. James tells believers that the next step is to show mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgement! Examine your heart today to remove favoritism and discrimination and replace them with mercy.