hands.

“My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.” James 2:1

The English word “partiality” in this verse is translated from the Greek word prosōpolēmpsia, which, in Biblical usage, can be defined in this way:

"The fault of one who when called on to give judgment has respect of the outward circumstances of man and not to their intrinsic merits, and so prefers, as the more worthy, one who is rich, high born, or powerful, to another who does not have these qualities."

How often we show favor to someone based on their outward appearances, instead of their inward qualities? This is not what our Lord does at all. He Himself said that “man looks on the outside, but God looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). Oh, how true that is.

Another version of the Bible phrased James 2:1 differently. It says, “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?” (NLT) Ouch. That one hits home.

For me, it definitely does, but literally. As a team of nine people here serving in El Salvador, why is it so hard to serve each other inside our home? In a way, we are showing partiality. We subconsciously view serving the boys in the orphanage in San Martin, those at central church, or the kids in the after-school programs as more noble or important than serving the others on our team.

At this point, we have all recognized that we are failing in this, one way or another. God has begun the heart change. We have even acted on it, and I believe we all have been stepping up a lot more to serve one another lately. However, we cannot lose heart, nor grow weary or lazy in doing good within our own household.

This verse was a great reminder, and I will strive to make the connection from my heart to my hands, and live out what the Lord is showing me. I will continue to look for opportunities to serve those on my team, and have a loving and willing heart while doing so.

Lord, continue to build in me a deeper servant's heart, one that does not show partiality.

"But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded." 2 Chronicles 15:7