What does the Bible say about class discrimination?
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The Bible condemns judging, honoring, or mistreating people according to wealth, social standing, or outward appearance, and calls believers to show impartial love rooted in Christ. James 2:1-10 plainly rebukes favoritism toward the rich and neglect of the poor, calling such partiality sin and directing the church to fulfill the royal law, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” In Christ, Galatians 3:28 teaches that earthly distinctions do not determine anyone’s standing before God, for all believers are one in him. Ephesians 4:32 calls Christians to kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness, while Luke 1:53 celebrates God’s care for the humble and needy.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- James 2:1-10
[1] My brothers, don't hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ of glory with partiality. [2] For if a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, comes into your assembly, and a poor man in filthy clothing also comes in; [3] and you pay special attention to him who wears the fine clothing, and say, "Sit here in a good place;" and you tell the poor man, "Stand there," or "Sit by my footstool;" [4] haven't you shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? [5] Listen, my beloved brothers. Didn't God choose those who are poor in this world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom which he promised to those who love him? [6] But you have dishonored the poor man. Don't the rich oppress you, and personally drag you before the courts? [7] Don't they blaspheme the honorable name by which you are called? [8] However, if you fulfill the royal law, according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you do well. [9] But if you show partiality, you commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors. [10] For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he has become guilty of all.
- Galatians 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
- Ephesians 4:32
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.
- Luke 1:53
He has filled the hungry with good things. He has sent the rich away empty.
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