1 Timothy 5:21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.

To understand partisan in context to these verse we must examine “these things”.

Reading chapter five of 1^st Timothy I would hi-lite recognition of responsibility, civility, dedication and honor. It is spoken of as examples in relationships and submissions. Recognition of Godly efforts and good deeds should be honored. Those who struggle with sins that are known need to be helped in finding their way back to right standing within the body of Christ.

All outward appearances should be seen as people who look to help those in need and that a place can be made for new members to join.

Partisan behavior excludes everyone who is not in agreement with a set of ideals. If we live up to those ideals those observing our lives will want what we have. Mercy, grace and forgiveness will not be seen to be desirable if it doesn’t work within the body of Christ.

“Come join us!”

The invitation will be rejected if we show bickering, back biting, and disrespect among ourselves. We have come to this life to share the Good News so we must show it to be a good life.

Knowing the Word of God is irrelevant if it cannot be demonstrated in the life we live together.

Matthew 22:36-40 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Can you obey the second command if you do not love yourself?

Jesus understood this and went out of His way to help us be a people that could feel good about ourselves. He didn’t stop at the Cross and say “It is finished” to be done with us. He has given us a life worth living.

1 Timothy 1:5 (ESV) The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers 

I chose this bible version because it makes plain that which I believe to be true. Love issues from our hearts. The indwelling love of Christ pours out of our hearts like living waters.

John 7:38 (KJV) He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

We can only do that if we have a good conscience and sincere faith. If we do not feel good about ourselves and the life we live, it will result in treating others poorly. This is not pride of life but rather submitting to the God of all mercies who dwells in our hearts by faith. We will not act on faith if we do not believe that by faith.

We will love ourselves if we can see God in us.