Equality vs. equity—what does the Bible say?

The University of Michigan describes “equity” in the following manner:

Organizations like Black Lives Matter assert that equality and equity are used interchangeably, but the latter term suggests the need for addressing historical inequalities and ensuring everyone has the resources and opportunities to succeed.

As it pertains to social issues, equity has historically meant the opposite of discrimination or bias. Recent views suggest persons are not being treated fairly unless they arrive at the same outcomes as others. Critical race theory implies the only explanation for any difference in outcome is racism, prejudice, or discrimination.

The Bible weighs in on the topics of equality and equity. The New Testament condemns favoritism and partiality (Ephesians 6:9; James 2:1, 9). Paul treated a pastor’s responsibility to maintain a sense of equity as a weighty matter: “I charge you, [Timothy,] in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism” (1 Timothy 5:21). In fact, the Bible asserts that humans are intrinsically equal in value, dignity, and worth because we are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26–27). Even as the Bible acknowledges differences among people groups, gender roles, and social classes, it maintains the intrinsic dignity of each person as a creation of God.

Jesus was equal with God the Father, yet He didn’t use that position to benefit Himself. He is the one “who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:6–7). In other words, Jesus never took on a posture of entitlement or victimization. In this world, He had “no place to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20). Though He was God, He laid down all heavenly comforts to take on human form. In coming into our world, He experienced persecution, unequal measures, and suffering.

All unjust barriers and discriminatory exclusions exist because of sin. We are the cause of inequity and sinful bias. Peter struggled with accepting the Gentiles as equals in the early church, but God patiently worked with him to change his viewpoint. As Peter began to realize the heart of God, his testimony was, “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right” (Acts 10:34–35).

Jesus likened His globally diverse people to a body. In a body, every part serves a purpose, not in uniformity but in unity (1 Corinthians 12). If we were to modify the parts of our body to try to make everything an eye, an ear, or a pinky toe, we would be diagnosed as crazy. To assume everyone in the world is equipped with the same resources, gifts, and purpose is equally insane. Jesus designed people for different roles and gave them different gifts (see 1 Corinthians 12:8–11). These varying gifts indicate His good and gracious plan for our lives; they do not suggest an inequality of value.

The Scripture’s description of the body of Christ helps us discern the truth from the lies in the equity vs. equality debate. Is every part of the body vital and valuable (equality)? Yes. Is every part of the body the same (equity)? No. Therefore, consider the invitation. Jesus invites you into His family where you can truly embody humility and rejoice in what 1 Corinthians 12:5 says, “There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.” Amen to that.