How can you say God is not partial?

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That was the question I had in my head after I read Paul’s statement in Galatians 2:6 (NKJV):

“But from those who seemed to be something—whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man—for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me.”

I also remember Peter had made a similar statement in Acts 10:34:

“Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.”

How can you say God is not partial and yet He was very ‘partial’ to Abraham or even David? These verses are some of those verses of the Bible that you read, don’t understand and just move on, mentally agreeing that the Bible is right and you just have not seen the light. But not today; I wanted answers – and so I asked.

Motives matters

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Sometimes I get on my knees to pray and after a while I ask myself: “Why am I even praying?” Other times I’m halfway through my Bible Study and then I wonder “Am I doing this to fulfill all righteousness?” And then those days when I fast, I wonder if I’m just going on a diet.

By now, you should get where I’m going with this. The reason we do the things we do matters. That is one of the differences between being religious and being spiritual. A couple of Scriptures to back this up:

1Cor 13:3 “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.“

Rom 2:16 “In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.“

Heb 4:12 “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.“

Don’t get me wrong, obedience is good. However, beyond plain obedience is knowing the reason behind what you are doing so that you don’t miss out on the real benefits. For example:

• You can stand on the fact that you are a tithe payer to rebuke the devourer from your possessions (Mal 3:8-10).
• Honour your parents and it shall be well with you (Eph 6:2-3)
• When you are giving to the poor, remember that you are lending to God: He will repay (Prov 19:17)
• Pray in the Spirit. It’s not (only) when you are tired of praying that you switch to tongues; it’s a means of personal edification (1Cor 14:4)

I guess the journey becomes more interesting when you know why you are going.