Discrimination

• Be fair in your judgement of others (Leviticus 19: 15)-Always judge your neighbors fairly, neither favoring the poor nor showing deference to the rich.  Because all are equal before the eyes of God, there shall be no special treatment for the poor or the rich alike.  For God, we are all the same.  All are created by Him.  All are human.  All have a soul.  All have a heart.  And all have a mind.  We are all the same.  We should all be treated fairly.
• Don't discriminate against someone who is not powerful (Deuteronomy 1: 17)-When you make decisions, never favor those who are rich; be fair to lowly and great alike.  Don't be afraid of how they will react, for you are judging in the place of God.  Bring me any cases that are too difficult for you, and I will handle them.  This was at the time when Moses appointed Leaders from each tribe.  The Leadership position is one that that carries great burden.  It cannot be carried by one Leader alone.  So from each tribe men were chosen, men with wisdom, understanding, good reputations, and appointed as Leaders, judges, and officials to help watch over all.  So, it is very important that the Leaders, judges, and officials do not discriminate.  Fairness should be extended to both the Church, and the foreigners among the Church.
• Do not oppress the disadvantaged (Malachi 3: 5)-"At the time I will put you on trial.  I will be a ready witness against all sorcerers, and adulterers, and liars.  I will speak against those who cheat employees of their wages, who oppress widows and orphans, or who deprive the foreigners living among you of justice, for these people not not fear me" says the LORD Almighty.  It is sin to oppress those who are at a disadvantage.  The LORD will judge all sorcery (witchcraft), adultery (sex out of marriage; and idol worshipping,-and anything out of order, or against God's commands), and liars (anything untrue).  When a person is treated unfairly, or oppressed, the oppressor is clearly not respecting, or caring for the LORD's wishes, nor do they care what God's will is.  And they are the cause of other's sins.  If we oppress people, we can cause them to commit sins, or other acts of violence, and law breaking.  If we show no respect for the LORD, we are sinning, and must pay the consequences for our choices and actions.  This will be in the coming day of Judgement; when the LORD himself will judge those who have not repented of their sins, nor been set free.  Those who continue to live in sin, and not for Him.
• God does not discriminate among his people (Galatians 3: 28)-There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female.  For you are all Christians-you are all one in Christ Jesus.  Once a person receives Christ as their personal LORD and Savior, they become joint Heirs with Him.  They become a part of His body; a part of God's Family.  There is no difference as to what their backgrounds are; race, or sex.
• God will judge those who discriminate (Colossians 3: 25)-But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done.  For God has no favorites who can get away with evil.  So we know that it doesn't pay to discriminate, or do wrong.  Everything we do in this life will be accounted for, and will be punished.
• Do not discriminate against the poor (James 2: 1-9)-My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim that you have faith in our glorious LORD Jesus Christ if you favor some people more than others?  For instance, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in shabby clothes.  If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, "You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor"-well, doesn't this discrimination show that you are guided by the wrong motives?  Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters.  Hasn't God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith?  Aren't they the ones who will inherit the kingdom of God promised to those who love him?  And yet, you insult the poor man!   Isn't it the rich who oppress you, and drag you into court?  Aren't they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear?  Yes, indeed it is good when you truly obey your LORD's royal command found in the Scriptures:  "Love your neighbor as yourself".  But if you pay special attention to the rich, you are committing a sin, for you are guilty of breaking that law.  So, we should be careful in treating all the same, because that person who does not dress as expensively as the other could be Jesus in disguise.  You could be discriminating against your own God!!  Lets treat everyone equal in every setting, be it at Church, work, a restaurant, etc...  Treat them like you want to be treated.  The LORD has given us these teachings so that we could live fairly in a way that is pleasing to Him.  Lets strive to live this way more and more each day, and pray that He will continue to light the way so that we do not stumble in darkness in our lives.  Until the next study, be blessed; and let the Holy Spirit be your guide!  Amen!