Discrimination has been a painful reality throughout history.
People have been judged based on race, gender, social class, nationality, and many other factors.
Sadly, discrimination still exists today in workplaces, schools, communities, and even churches.
But what does the Bible say about it?
Does God allow favoritism?
Does He view people differently based on their backgrounds?
The Bible makes it clear that every person is valuable in His eyes.
God does not judge people based on outward appearances, and He commands His followers to do the same.
Understanding what Scripture says about discrimination helps believers stand against injustice and reflect God’s love to all people.
Let’s explore biblical teachings on this important topic and what it means for us today.
God Shows No Favoritism
One of the strongest messages in the Bible is that God does not show favoritism.
He treats all people equally, no matter their background, wealth, or status.
Romans 2:11 says, “For God does not show favoritism.”
This truth is repeated throughout Scripture.
In Acts 10:34-35, the apostle Peter declares, “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.”
Peter spoke these words after God revealed to him that salvation was not just for the Jews but for all people, including Gentiles.
At the time, Jews often looked down on Gentiles and treated them as outsiders.
But God made it clear that His love and salvation were for everyone.
If God does not show favoritism, then His people should not either.
Believers are called to treat others with fairness, respect, and love, regardless of their background or differences.
Every Person is Made in God’s Image
The Bible teaches that all people are created in the image of God.
Genesis 1:27 states, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
This means that every person has value, dignity, and worth.
No one is more important than another in God’s eyes.
Discrimination denies this truth.
When people treat others as less important based on their race, social status, or background, they go against the very design of God.
James 3:9 warns about this, saying, “With the tongue, we praise our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.”
If all people bear God’s image, then treating others with respect is not an option—it’s a command.
Jesus Broke Barriers
Jesus lived in a society filled with division, yet He consistently broke cultural barriers.
He reached out to people whom others ignored or rejected.
One of the most powerful examples is found in John 4 when Jesus speaks with the Samaritan woman at the well.
At that time, Jews and Samaritans did not associate with each other.
Not only that, but men rarely spoke to women in public.
Yet Jesus engaged in conversation with this woman, showing her compassion and offering her living water—the message of salvation.
Another example is found in Luke 10:25-37, where Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan.
In this story, a Jewish man is beaten and left for dead.
Two religious leaders walk past him, ignoring his suffering.
But a Samaritan, who would normally be considered an enemy, stops to help.
He cares for the man and provides for his needs.
Jesus used this story to teach that love and kindness should extend to everyone, even to those society considers different or unworthy.
Through His actions and teachings, Jesus showed that discrimination has no place in the kingdom of God.
The Sin of Favoritism
Discrimination often comes in the form of favoritism—treating some people better than others based on wealth, power, or status.
The Bible strongly warns against this.
James 2:1-4 says, “My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.
Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in.
If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, ‘Here’s a good seat for you,’ but say to the poor man, ‘You stand there’ or ‘Sit on the floor by my feet,’ have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?”
God sees the heart, not outward appearances.
Favoritism goes against His character and creates division among His people.
Believers are called to treat all people with equal love and respect, regardless of their social or economic status.
The Call to Love All People
The greatest commandment given by Jesus is to love God and love others.
Matthew 22:37-39 says, “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Love is the foundation of the Christian life.
True love does not discriminate.
It does not judge people based on their race, status, or background.
Instead, it seeks to uplift, encourage, and care for others.
Galatians 3:28 emphasizes this truth: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
In God’s kingdom, all believers are equal.
There are no divisions or social barriers.
Everyone is united under Christ.
Living out this truth means rejecting discrimination in all its forms and choosing to love as Jesus loved.
Helping Those Who Are Oppressed
The Bible speaks repeatedly about standing up for the oppressed.
Proverbs 31:8-9 says, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
God cares deeply about justice.
He commands His people to fight against oppression and defend those who are treated unfairly.
Micah 6:8 states, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Discrimination is a form of injustice, and God calls His people to stand against it.
This means advocating for the rights of others, treating all people with fairness, and showing compassion to those who suffer.
Forgiving Those Who Discriminate
While the Bible calls believers to stand against discrimination, it also teaches the importance of forgiveness.
People will face unfair treatment at some point in life.
They may experience prejudice, exclusion, or mistreatment.
Jesus experienced these things too.
Yet, even as He was being crucified, He prayed for those who hurt Him, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).
Forgiveness does not mean ignoring injustice.
It means choosing to let go of hatred and bitterness.
Romans 12:19 reminds us, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
God sees every act of injustice.
He will bring justice in His time.
In the meantime, believers are called to forgive and trust Him to handle the situation.
Final Thoughts
The Bible makes it clear that discrimination has no place in the life of a believer.
God does not judge people based on their race, wealth, or background, and neither should His followers.
Every person is created in His image, loved by Him, and valuable in His sight.
Jesus broke social and cultural barriers, showing that love is meant for all people.
The Bible warns against favoritism, calls believers to treat others with respect, and commands them to stand against injustice.
At the same time, it teaches the importance of forgiveness and trusting God’s justice.
Living out biblical truth means rejecting discrimination and choosing love, kindness, and fairness in all relationships.
When believers reflect God’s love in this way, they become a light in a world that desperately needs it.