“But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality” (Colossians 3:25).
As we consider the final verse of Colossians chapter three, there are two key words that should command our attention. Those words are repaid and partiality. Both words carry positive or negative implications based on the choices we make.
As mentioned previously, this verse assures us that God will compensate for any injustice we may endure over the course of our working lives. The fact that “…there is no partiality” assures us that every genuine wrong that has ever been committed against a God-honoring employee will be repaid. This should serve as a great encouragement for any Godly employee who may be overworked and underappreciated in his or her position.
Nevertheless, Colossians 3:25 communicates this idea in a primarily negative sense: “…the one who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there are no exceptions” (NET). In other words, God will show no favoritism, either for the unfaithful slave or for the unjust master. (1) Thus, this passage represents a cautionary message for employers and employees alike.
For instance, it is often discouraging to see examples of such partiality in the workplace. Mediocre employees are sometimes promoted while better qualified workers are left to toil in obscurity. A “well-connected” friend or family member may secure a lucrative position as more seasoned employees are overlooked. Supervisors may reward favored subordinates with preferred assignments while others struggle to succeed.
While these improprieties are distressing, they should not come as a surprise for the Scriptures warn us to expect such things in this life…
“I also saw something else here on earth: The fastest runner does not always win the race, the strongest soldier does not always win the battle, the wisest does not always have food, the smartest does not always become wealthy, and the talented one does not always receive praise. Time and chance happen to everyone” (Ecclesiastes 9:11 NCV).
Despite these unfortunate realities, we can be comforted in the knowledge that God will address any such discrepancies fully and completely without partiality. As one commentator has observed…
“For ancient Christian slaves and for modern Christian workers, there is no guarantee on earth of fairness of treatment from those whom they work for. Sometimes partiality means that bad workers are unfairly rewarded and good employees are penalized or left unrewarded. Paul assures both our ancient brethren and us that there is a final rewarding and punishment, and with this there is no partiality.” (2)
(1) Charles C Ryrie, Ryrie Study Notes [Colossians 3:25]
(2) Guzik, David Colossians 3 – Put Off, Put On © Copyright – Enduring Word https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/colossians-3/