Lifegroup Discussion Guide

The Sin of Prejudice & Partiality

John Lindell

Scripture

James 2:1:
“My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?”
For the full passage, read James 2:1–13.

Main Idea

James teaches that prejudice and partiality are sins because they contradict God’s character, ignore His commands, and disregard His coming judgment. God is impartial in salvation and judgment, and His people are called to reflect that same impartial love. True faith shows itself through mercy, repentance, and a commitment to overcoming prejudice through the power of the Holy Spirit.

1. Prejudice & Partiality Ignore God’s Character

Prejudice is inconsistent with faith in God because it’s inconsistent with who God is! God is absolutely, totally impartial in dealing with people.

From the beginning of creation, how does God’s character reflect impartial love for people?

2. Prejudice & Partiality Ignore God’s Commands

The root idea of ‘partiality’ is judging someone by their face—making a superficial evaluation based on appearance. But Scripture reminds us we are one human race (Acts 17:26), and God commands us to love our neighbor as ourselves (James 2:8).

How would you describe God’s love and mercy towards you? And how should that affect your treatment of others?

3. Prejudice & Partiality Ignore God’s Coming Judgment

When you are merciful and not prejudiced or partial, it is evidence of Christ’s work in your heart, and at the judgment your merciful deeds and impartiality will speak of your faith.

How does thinking about God’s future judgment on your deeds, words and actions cause you to evaluate your heart when it comes to prejudice?

Call To Action

Reflect:

The Church is Christ’s cherished bride – how does this message help you to honor and love the Church like Christ does?

Respond:

This week, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to your heart how you need to grow in loving all people unconditionally and impartially.

Remember:

Together, we as the church can make a difference – revealing the heart of God to the world around us by how we treat and love others through our words and actions.

Care Form

If someone in your group needs care,

We want to be there for them. The James River Care team is designed to walk alongside people in every season – to celebrate life’s best moment and offer support through the challenging ones. We want to be there for the following life events:

Marriage
Births
Hospitalization and deaths
Questions or concerns.

Please submit a request at: jamesriver.church/care-form

Additional Leader Resources

Please please visit jamesriver.church/lg-resources