_No Respect of Persons_ Confronting the Sin of Favoritism__No Respect of Persons_ Confronting the Sin of Favoritism_
Resilient Truths
Dr. Bell continues the study in the book of James, focusing on the sin of showing respect of persons in the eyes of God. She explains how often people take others for granted, particularly when it comes to those who are gifted in certain areas but lack...
42:41•28 Aug 2024
No Favourites: Dr. Theresa Bell on Sin, Status and Treating People as Equals
Episode Overview
- Showing favouritism based on status, wealth, race or appearance is described as sin and completely against God’s character.
- God looks at the heart, not outward appearance or credentials, so gifted people without formal papers should not be treated as inferior or underpaid.
- Believers are reminded to love their neighbour as themselves, refusing to put any person above another or above God.
- The poor and overlooked are highlighted as especially valued by God, challenging Christians to care for the homeless and struggling rather than idolising the rich.
- Mercy should shape responses to injustice; Christians are urged not to repay wrong with wrong but to keep their hearts soft and prayerful.
“When you respect a person, that is sin. You can’t treat nobody better than the other. That’s against God.”
How do people find hope in the darkest times when they’re treated as “less than”? This episode of *Resilient Truths* sits right in that tension, as Dr. Theresa M. Bell walks through James 2:1–13 and calls out the sin of favouritism in church, community, and everyday life.
Speaking directly from a faith-based, people-first perspective, she talks about “being respect of person” – treating some people better because of money, status, race, or credentials – and makes it clear: “When you respect a person, that is sin. You can’t treat nobody better than the other. That’s against God.” You’ll hear her challenge leaders who talk down to others, pastors who live large while their communities struggle, and employers who underpay gifted workers just because they lack formal qualifications.
She shares raw personal examples, like leaving a job after learning her co-workers earned five dollars more an hour for the same work, and stories of her ex-husband’s mechanical skills being exploited without fair pay. Dr. Bell links this all back to scripture and to everyday heart checks: why do we chase celebrities and rich influencers while stepping over the homeless? Why are people of colour so often used for their labour but denied equal reward?
And how can believers claim to love their neighbour while putting certain people on pedestals and ignoring others? Despite the hard truths, the tone stays warm, humorous in spots, and very down-to-earth.
She talks about loving people “through God’s eyes”, praying over anyone who blesses her, and keeping mercy at the centre: “We got to have mercy… we can’t turn around and do the same thing back to them.” If you’re interested in faith, justice, recovery of dignity, or simply checking your own heart around status and bias, this teaching offers plenty to sit with.
Where might favouritism be quietly shaping your own choices – and what would it look like to change that today?
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