| James 2:8-9 8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you do well; 9 But if you have respect to persons [showing partiality to certain people, not treating everyone equally], you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.2 | |||||||||
2 But if you have respect to persons [showing partiality to certain people, not treating everyone equally], you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. Any discrimination among people is sin, and that discrimination can be negatively directed or can be of a flattering nature, not limited to, but including flattering titles such as:—your majesty, your honor, master, reverend, etc.
Flattery is deceit. Flattery is lying. Flattery is exaggerating. Flattery is an attempt to manipulate people. The worst flattery is from the opposite sex. From the Word of the Lord within: "groups of flattering women are particularly dangerous." When was the last time you heard a preacher speak against flattery? When was the last time you heard a preacher speak against sin? Yet Paul instructed ministers thus: "Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear." 1 Tim 5:20. Paul also warned his flock with tears, night and day for three years: remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.
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