You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality, and you shall not accept a bribe.

– Deuteronomy 16:19

Show no partiality? Easier said than done. I remember when my children were young, telling my son that his sister had different chores because she was older. He immediately responded with, ”What’s fair for one is fair for all, that’s what Mrs. Wick says.”  His kindergarten teacher had impressed this on him so thoroughly that it became one of our family’s frequently used phrases.

The words in Deuteronomy 16:19, “Do not pervert justice or show partiality,” are just as memorable. They can also be repeated until they come to mind whenever we need them. 

Human nature tells us to be kind and caring to those who are kind and caring to us. God tells us to be impartial and treat people equally.  This requires effort on our part.  Helping a co-worker who is unpleasant; assisting the student who has made bad choices in the past, or cheerfully greeting the person who cut in front of the check-out line is not easy.  

Fortunately, God has seen us when we were that other person and still loved us.  He gives us opportunities to share His love with the unlovable.   When Christ was on the cross He died for all, not just a select group.  The example He set for us to follow is there.

Prayer:

Father in heaven please be with me and give me strength and wisdom to share your love with those I meet today.

Daily Reading: 1 Corinthians 8

– Contributed by Alice Troyke