WHAT DOES IT MEAN to do something with partiality? Partiality is a certain inclination, preference, favoritism, or arbitrariness for or against a person or matter. If such person is appointed to assume a responsibility, because of relationship, friendship, or personal interests, it is because of preferences, favoritism or bias, and not because of their merits or abilities.
preferences for a particular person or subject may be distorted by the selfish lens of our sinful nature. We begin to walk a very thin line. It may seem like I did the right thing, but my motivation was not right. What then? What is the safest route?
We need to purify our hearts. «If the heart is purified through obedience to the truth, there will be no selfish preferences, no corrupt motives; there will be no partiality» (Counsels on Health, p. 261).
In Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, we were conducting a series of evangelistic meetings to establish a church in the very center of the city.
We planned four daily preaching sessions for three months to be able to reach more people. Hector, a Harvard graduate in accounting, began attending the meetings, received Bible studies, and was baptized along with his wife, Adita. Over time, the two became leaders of the new church. Today they rest in the blessed hope.
One day he told us about his first encounter with us. Obviously, we did not know anything about him. When he arrived, he examined us thoroughly; attended the four sessions, choosing a different one each day; and that way found that there was no bias or preferences. He noted that there was a united team that worked for everyone equalIy. Whether few or many attended, they were always cared for with the same enthusiasm and affection. «These people must have something important to give, because of the way they treat everyone and their passion to share,» he thought. With that, he stayed, and eventually remained forever.
We live in an alarming time of «favoritism, exceptions and impartiality, evils that reflect corruption and hypocrisy» (Helgir Girodo). Today, more than ever, «pain makes no social distinction, it is impartial» (Abigail Aquino).
A committed believer who takes refuge in Jesus will seek to harbor and display zero partiality.
«He will meet with trials, but he must always be brave and cheerful.
He is to treat all as the purchase of the blood of Christ, without partiality and without hypocrisy. The Holy Spirit is his helper»