Classism is the belief that people can be categorized based on social class or economic status, with certain classes being inherently superior or inferior to others. Though the Bible does not directly address classism, it does offer principles regarding God’s view of all people and how followers of Christ should treat others.
All People Are Equal Before God
A foundational teaching of the Bible is that all humans, regardless of social status, are made in God’s image and have inherent value and dignity (Genesis 1:27). Class distinctions that elevate some people over others go against this principle of equality before God. Several verses emphasize this:
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
“God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” (Acts 10:34-35)
“God shows no partiality.” (Romans 2:11)
The Bible makes it clear that human value and standing before God are not determined by wealth, race, gender, or social status. All people have equal dignity and worth in God’s eyes.
Love Your Neighbor as Yourself
Jesus taught that the second greatest commandment is to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). The Bible defines our “neighbor” broadly, encompassing people from all backgrounds, classes, and nations (Luke 10:25-37). Loving others requires seeing them as God sees them and treating them with the honor, compassion, and mercy He calls us to show.
Classism is often characterized by prejudice, inequity in treatment or access to resources, and lack of understanding of those different from us. But loving our neighbors as ourselves leaves no room for classism’s divisiveness and favoritism.
Do Not Show Favoritism
The Bible specifically warns against showing favoritism or prejudice based on social status. James 2:1-13 instructs believers not to give preferential treatment to wealthy people over the poor. Rather than judging by outward appearance, we are to treat all people fairly, regardless of their economic status.
The early church also struggled with showing favoritism, discriminating in their food distribution between wealthy and poor widows (Acts 6:1). But the apostles asserted such partiality was wrong and took steps to correct it.
Throughout Scripture, God reminds His people to avoid favoritism and special treatment based on class or status. As Christ’s followers, we are called to a higher standard of impartiality that values all people as equally important.
Do Not Oppress the Poor
The Bible consistently calls on God’s people to defend and care for the poor and vulnerable. For example, Proverbs 31:8-9 says, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
Exodus 23:6 warns, “Do not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits.” God cares deeply about protecting the rights and dignity of the poor against exploitation by the more powerful.
Classism is often characterized by oppression that denies justice and dignity to lower classes. But Scripture makes it clear that God values the poor and calls His followers to protect and honor them.
Be Humble and Associate with the Lowly
Rather than seeking status and importance for ourselves, the Bible calls us to humility and giving preference to others. Romans 12:16 says to “…be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”
Jesus Himself was a servant who came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45). He ministered to and welcomed those from the lower rungs of society, including tax collectors, prostitutes, lepers, and others typically rejected by religious elites.
A mindset of humility and service leaves no room for pride based on social class or status. When we share Christ’s humility, we can embrace all people regardless of background or class.
The First Shall Be Last
In God’s kingdom, earthly status and hierarchies are reversed. Jesus said “the first will be last, and the last first” (Matthew 19:30) and “many who are first will be last, and the last first” (Mark 10:31).
Christ cautions against seeking recognition and honor for ourselves. True greatness in God’s eyes requires humility, service, and preferring others above ourselves. Any notion of superiority based on social class contradicts the values of God’s kingdom.
In Christ, Barriers Are Removed
The Bible teaches that following Christ removes worldly barriers and brings unity among believers. Galatians 3:28 declares: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
When we are united in Christ, we become members of the same spiritual family. Distinctions between gender, race, and social class lose significance compared to our new identity in Him. Unity in diversity becomes possible through Christ’s redeeming work.
The Church Should Be Open to All
As the body of Christ on earth, the church is called to reflect Jesus’ open and inclusive attitude to all people. In James 2, believers are rebuked for discriminating between rich and poor church members. And in Revelation 7, people from every race, tribe, and nation worship before God’s throne.
Within the church, there is no place for classism or other prejudice. All believers have equal standing through Christ. Unity amidst diversity testifies to the reconciling power of the gospel.
God Honors the Faith of the Poor
While the rich are often honored by human society, Jesus highlights examples of strong faith among the poor. He commends the offering of the destitute widow in Mark 12:41-44, valuing her heart of devotion over larger gifts. And James 2:5 observes that God has chosen the poor to be rich in faith and heirs of His kingdom.
The Bible never condemns economic success or possessing wealth in itself. But it does caution against trusting in riches over God (1 Timothy 6:17). Those with plenty tend to have a harder time recognizing their need for God.
Meanwhile, the poor often demonstrate great dependence on God and generosity in giving. Their economic conditions can heighten reliance and faith in Him.
The Poor Are God’s Means of Blessing Us
In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul commends the giving of the poor Macedonian believers who begged for the chance to contribute. Despite their poverty, they gave abundantly and joyfully to help the Jerusalem church.
Paul ties this to Jesus’ teaching that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). The poor can richly bless others through their generosity and faith, providing an example for all to follow.
Far from being a burden, the poor are a means through which God pours out blessings. The church must welcome their contributions with the same honor given to any member’s gifts.
How Should Christians Respond to Classism?
The biblical principles outlined above make it clear that classism goes against God’s values. As Christ’s followers, how should we respond?
First, we must examine our own hearts for any class prejudice or feelings of superiority. Do we harbor any unconscious bias against those less educated or wealthy than ourselves? Ask God to reveal any sinful attitude.
Second, we should cultivate personal relationships with people from all backgrounds, not just our own social class. Establishing true connections helps overcome stereotypes and prejudice.
Third, we can advocate for equality, work to eliminate unjust disparities, and vote to end oppressive practices impacting the poor. God calls us to “loose the chains of injustice” and defend the oppressed (Isaiah 58:6-9).
Finally, we must remember that only the gospel transcends worldly divisions. Unity comes through changed hearts, not just changed laws. While pursuing justice, our ultimate hope is for classism to be overcome by transformed lives through Christ.
Classism will not disappear until Christ’s return. But His followers can demonstrate a better way, loving all people equally as image-bearers of God. When the barriers separating us lose significance compared to our identity in Christ, classism loses its power.
Though the Bible does not directly address classism, its values call us to a higher standard. Loving God and neighbor knows no class boundaries. In Christ we find our true identity, not in social standing. And God calls all His children to active concern for the poor and vulnerable. When believers live out these biblical principles, classism is replaced by Christ-centered unity.