What does the Bible say about race and discrimination?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that God created all people with equal dignity, shows no partiality, condemns favoritism and unjust judgment, and calls his people to love neighbors across every ethnic and social boundary. Acts 17:26 says God made every nation from one man, while Acts 10:34-35 and Romans 2:11 affirm that he does not show favoritism. In Christ, Galatians 3:28 and Colossians 3:11 proclaim a real spiritual unity among diverse peoples without erasing their distinct backgrounds. James 2:1-9 rebukes partial treatment, and Deuteronomy 10:17-19 calls God’s people to care for the vulnerable and the outsider. Christians should therefore reject racial pride, contempt, and discrimination, judging rightly and loving impartially.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 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.
- Acts 10:34-35
[34] Peter opened his mouth and said, "Truly I perceive that God doesn't show favoritism; [35] but in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.
- Acts 17:26
He made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the surface of the earth, having determined appointed seasons, and the boundaries of their dwellings,
- Romans 2:11
For there is no partiality with God.
- Colossians 3:11
where there can't be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondservant, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all.
- 1 Samuel 16:7
But Yahweh said to Samuel, "Don't look on his face, or on the height of his stature; because I have rejected him: for [Yahweh sees] not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks at the heart."
- John 7:24
Don't judge according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment."
- Deuteronomy 10:17-19
[17] For Yahweh your God, he is God of gods, and Lord of lords, the great God, the mighty, and the awesome, who doesn't regard persons, nor takes reward. [18] He does execute justice for the fatherless and widow, and loves the foreigner, in giving him food and clothing. [19] Therefore love the foreigner; for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.
- James 2:1-9
[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.
- Malachi 2:10
Don't we all have one father? Hasn't one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, profaning the covenant of our fathers?
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