Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily service. Acts 6:1 WEB
As the church grew, opportunities for conflict arose among church members. Luke begins chapter six of the Book of Acts describing a complaint Hellenistic believers had against their Hebrew counterparts. The non Hebrew Christians complained that those in charge distributing food for widows overlooked the Hellenistic widows while supplying the Hewbrew widows. Addressing the complaint, the twelve original disciples directed the growing number of new disciples to select seven Spirit filled men of wisdom to ensure impartial food distribution.
Showing partiality to Hebrew widows while withholding food from Hellenistic widows violates God’s command to love your neighbor as yourself. It also violates Jesus’ command that his followers love one another as he loved them. Unfortunately, this sort of behavior is common between different ethnic groups. The creation of a committee to oversee the distribution of food demonstrates the early church’s commitment to the principle of treating all members with equal love, care, and concern.
Judge Righteously
Scripture forbids partiality among believers. We read in James 2:1-4, “My brothers, don’t hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ of glory with partiality. For if a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, comes into your synagogue, and a poor man in filthy clothing also comes in, 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’ haven’t you shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? WEB”
From the Old Testament to the New, the word of God encourages fairness and impartiality. As we read in Deuteronomy 1:16-17, “I commanded your judges at that time, saying, ‘Hear cases between your brothers and judge righteously between a man and his brother, and the foreigner who is living with him. You shall not show partiality in judgment.’ WEB” Fairness and impartiality rarely give rise to a complaint.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the truth and wisdom of your holy word. Thank you for the lessons learned while studying scripture. Give me wisdom and a loving spirit to show fairness and impartiality to my brothers and sisters of faith. Guide me to live a life that is pleasing to you. In Jesus name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Blessed Are the Merciful
