God treats us according to our character and our works – not on the basis of our wealth, intelligence, physical attractiveness, color, or position (Rom 2:11, Worrell). We should do likewise. We are commanded to be kind to everyone (Rom 12:16, JB) regardless of their race, ethnicity, or social status. Indeed, one evidence for the presence of genuine faith is love for all the saints (Col 1:4, ASB note). Even more than this, a person of faith and love reaches out to all types of people in need. This is Jesus’ point in the parable of the Good Samaritan where He shows that we are to love others without regard to things like race (Lk 10:37, ASB note).
Prejudice refers to pre-judgment, to judging by appearances (WPNT, notes on Mt 7:1 and Rom 2:11). It is sin (Jas 2:9, HCSB; Prov 28:21, TEV). Even small compromises toward prejudice are wrong as the example of Peter in Gal 2:12 illustrates (IVPBBC, note on Gal 2:12). Bigoted people are described as being evil, as being people we should avoid if we are able (2 Thess 3:2, JB). We are not even to show favoritism to people of influence who could benefit us in some way (Lev 19:15, GW). Those who have faith in Christ will seek to not be prejudiced (Jas 2:1, CEV) – and, if we are on the receiving end of it, we will resist it as we would any other evil.
We show pre-mindedness, pre-judgment, favoritism, prejudice when we are hostile toward others because of some identifiable characteristic they have. Might this include preferential treatment we show to the beautiful or famous? Yes. What about if we have disdain for the overweight or those whose attire is not, in our opinion, fashionable? Again, yes. We may be biased against gender, age, hair style, physical disability, level of education – you name it. All of us are probably far more prejudicial than we would care to admit. It is a work of the sinful nature we all have.
Instead of being timid, learn to be appropriately bold.