Can you comment on discrimination?
Introduction. There are many facets to the subject of discrimination. Christians are falsely accused of discrimination when they point out the sinfulness of homosexuality, drunkenness, laziness, and such. Sinful discrimination would be "...distinction not based on individual merit..." (Random House College Dictionary, pg. 379). However, the fourth shade of meaning offered by the same English dictionary is not against scripture: "The power of making fine distinctions, discriminating judgment" (Ibid.).
Sinful discrimination. God does not reject or accept people based on the ignorance of their individual worth and quality or simply based on their national descent. "...Of a truth," Peter states, "I perceive that God is not respecter of persons" (Acts 10: 34). Cornelius was not ignored by God in this context because he was a Gentile. "But in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him" (vs. 35). Christians must not discriminate in the sense of being a respecter of persons by accepting or rejecting people based on such morally indifferent matters as money, fine clothing, etc. (Jas. 2: 1-4, 6, 9-10). The wise man wrote, "To have respect of persons is not good..." (Prov. 28: 21).
Necessary discrimination. As we have seen, God accepts people based on their "fear" of Him and their "working righteousness" (Acts 10: 34-35). Hence, Christians can know those who belong to God and those who do not by their fear and working righteousness (or lack of). Such a distinction is discrimination in a good sense. God exercises this type of discrimination. We are to discriminate the will of God and the works of darkness (Eph, 5: 10-11).
Conclusion. As you have probably correctly concluded, discrimination based on individual quality is not taught against, but is actually required (John 7: 24).
Sinful discrimination. God does not reject or accept people based on the ignorance of their individual worth and quality or simply based on their national descent. "...Of a truth," Peter states, "I perceive that God is not respecter of persons" (Acts 10: 34). Cornelius was not ignored by God in this context because he was a Gentile. "But in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him" (vs. 35). Christians must not discriminate in the sense of being a respecter of persons by accepting or rejecting people based on such morally indifferent matters as money, fine clothing, etc. (Jas. 2: 1-4, 6, 9-10). The wise man wrote, "To have respect of persons is not good..." (Prov. 28: 21).
Necessary discrimination. As we have seen, God accepts people based on their "fear" of Him and their "working righteousness" (Acts 10: 34-35). Hence, Christians can know those who belong to God and those who do not by their fear and working righteousness (or lack of). Such a distinction is discrimination in a good sense. God exercises this type of discrimination. We are to discriminate the will of God and the works of darkness (Eph, 5: 10-11).
Conclusion. As you have probably correctly concluded, discrimination based on individual quality is not taught against, but is actually required (John 7: 24).