What does the Bible say about showing favoritism in the church?

In James 2, the Apostle instructs believers to avoid showing favoritism based on external appearances or social class. He highlights that such behavior reveals a flawed understanding of faith and grace. When one treats the wealthy with honor while neglecting the poor, they have shown partiality and contradicted the gospel message that God has chosen the poor to be rich in faith (James 2:5). This passage aligns with God's character, which does not favor the mighty, but rather chooses the weak and despised things of the world to confound the wise.