Favoritism in parenting can lead to lasting damage, and the Bible offers clear warnings about this. Let’s explore what Scripture says about showing fairness and love to all of your children, and how to avoid the pitfalls of favoritism in your family.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Trusting Your Spouse
Genesis 25:28
“Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob.”
This verse highlights a common human struggle where parents may show favoritism towards one child over another based on personal preferences or interests. In this case, Isaac favored Esau because of his love for wild game, while Rebekah loved Jacob.
As parents, it’s important to acknowledge and address any favoritism that may arise within our hearts, treating each child with equal love and respect. Favoritism can cause division and resentment among siblings, so it is essential to foster an environment of fairness and equality.
Genesis 37:3
“Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him.”
Here, we see another example of a parent favoring one child over others. Israel (Jacob) displayed favoritism towards Joseph because of his special circumstances, being born in Jacob’s old age. As a result, Jacob gave Joseph an ornate robe as a symbol of his preference.
Favoritism within families can lead to broken relationships and create a sense of injustice among siblings. We should strive to love and treat each child equally, appreciating their unique qualities and avoiding the harmful effects of favoritism.
Proverbs 28:21
“To show partiality is not good—yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread.”
This verse warns against the dangers of showing partiality or favoritism. It emphasizes that it is not a noble or righteous act to favor one person over another, even if it means benefiting oneself.
As humans, we are prone to selfish desires and motivations. However, God calls us to treat others with fairness and equity, valuing their worth and treating them with respect. Rather than showing favoritism for personal gain, we should strive to promote justice and equality.
Leviticus 19:15
“Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.”
God’s commandments are clear: we should not pervert justice or show favoritism to anyone, whether they are poor or influential. All individuals should be judged fairly and impartially.
As believers, it is crucial to follow this commandment both in our personal lives and in society. We should seek justice and fairness for all, ensuring that our actions and decisions are not influenced by personal biases or preferences.
Deuteronomy 10:17
“For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes.”
This verse reminds us that God, the ultimate authority, shows no partiality or favoritism. He is just and fair in all His ways, without being swayed by bribes or personal preferences.
As God’s children, we are called to imitate Him and reflect His character in all aspects of our lives. We are to love and treat all people equally, without showing any form of bias or favoritism.
Job 32:21
“I will show no partiality, nor will I flatter anyone;”
In this verse, Elihu makes a commitment to be impartial and not show favoritism. He makes it clear that he will not flatter anyone, highlighting his determination to uphold fairness and integrity.
As individuals, we should strive to have the same dedication to justice and impartiality. Flattery and favoritism can lead to skewed judgment and injustice. Therefore, we should make it our goal to treat others fairly, without any hidden motivations or ulterior motives.
Acts 10:34-35
“Then Peter began to speak: ‘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.’”
Peter’s revelation in this passage emphasizes that God does not show favoritism based on nationality, but accepts all those who fear Him and do what is right.
As Christians, we are called to reflect this attribute of God by treating all people with fairness and equality, regardless of their background or ethnicity. We should embrace diversity and value each individual as a precious creation of God.
Romans 2:11
“For God does not show favoritism.”
This simple verse encapsulates a profound truth – God does not show favoritism. God’s love and grace are extended to all humanity without discrimination.
As followers of Christ, we are called to mirror God’s attribute by treating others with impartiality. Regardless of social status, race, or background, we should strive to love and accept others, just as God loves and accepts us.
Ephesians 6:9
“And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.”
This verse highlights the need for equitable treatment, not only in parental relationships but also in employer-employee relationships. Masters are urged to treat their slaves fairly, acknowledging that there is no favoritism with the ultimate authority, God.
This principle extends to all areas of life, reminding us to embrace fairness and equality in all our interactions and relationships, regardless of the power dynamics at play.
Colossians 3:25
“Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.”
Here, the Apostle Paul emphasizes that God’s justice is impartial and without favoritism. He reassures believers that anyone who does wrong will be held accountable, regardless of personal preferences or circumstances.
This verse serves as a reminder that God’s justice is perfect, and as His followers, we should strive to uphold fairness and integrity in our own lives, knowing that all actions have consequences.
James 2:1
“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.”
This verse challenges believers to refrain from showing favoritism. As followers of Jesus, we are called to love and treat all people equally, mirroring His example.
Favoritism can damage relationships, create divisions, and hinder the message of God’s love. Therefore, we must strive to embrace impartiality and extend grace to all, just as Christ has done for us.
Romans 12:16
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”
This verse reminds us to live in harmony with one another, irrespective of social standing or position. It encourages believers to humble themselves and be willing to associate with those who may not hold influential positions.
To avoid favoritism, we should actively seek to build relationships with people from diverse backgrounds, treating all individuals as equals and valuing their worth in the eyes of God.
1 Timothy 5:21
“I charge you, 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.”
Paul’s charge to Timothy is a reminder to follow God’s instructions without partiality or favoritism, emphasizing the importance of maintaining impartiality in all actions and decisions.
As Christians, we are called to live out this charge, treating all people with fairness and equality, knowing that our ultimate allegiance is to God, who shows no partiality.
Proverbs 24:23
“These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judging is not good.”
This verse cautions against the negative consequences of showing partiality in the process of making judgments. It highlights the importance of fairness and objectivity in our actions.
As individuals, we should strive to make unbiased judgments, free from personal preferences or prejudices. By doing so, we promote justice and uphold righteousness in our interactions with others.
1 Peter 1:17
“Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.”
Believers are reminded that our heavenly Father judges each person’s work impartially, without any bias or favoritism. Therefore, we should live in reverent fear, knowing that we are accountable for our actions.
This understanding should motivate us to embrace impartiality and treat others with fairness, knowing that we will all be held to the same standard of judgment by our just and righteous God.
Titus 1:7
“Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.”
This verse establishes the qualities required in an overseer or leader within the church. It stresses the importance of impartiality by cautioning against pursuing dishonest gain.
Leaders in the church, as well as in any other setting, should eschew any form of favoritism or partiality, striving for integrity and fairness in their decision-making.
Deuteronomy 1:16-17
“And I charged your judges at that time, ‘Hear the disputes between your people and judge fairly, whether the case is between two Israelites or between an Israelite and a foreigner residing among you. Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of anyone, for judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case too hard for you, and I will hear it.”
In this passage, Moses instructs the judges to judge fairly and impartially, regardless of the individuals involved in the case. He emphasizes that judgment ultimately belongs to God and assures them of His availability for difficult cases.
This verse teaches us the importance of maintaining fairness in our judgments, regardless of the parties’ social status or personal backgrounds. We should seek God’s wisdom and guidance in all decisions, trusting in His ultimate justice.
James 3:17
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
James highlights the characteristics of godly wisdom, which includes impartiality. Wisdom that originates from heaven is pure, peace-loving, considerate, and full of mercy and good fruit.
As followers of Christ, we should strive to cultivate this heavenly wisdom in our lives, allowing it to shape our attitudes and actions. This includes being impartial in our treatment of others, seeking to promote peace and benefit for all.
1 Samuel 16:7
“But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’”
This verse reminds us that God’s judgment is not based on external appearances or superficial qualities. Unlike humans, who tend to show favoritism based on outward factors, God looks at the heart.
As believers, we should also strive to look beyond external appearances and treat others with fairness and equality, valuing their inner qualities rather than superficial attributes.
2 Chronicles 19:7
“Now let the fear of the LORD be on you. Judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”
This verse urges judges to fear the Lord and judge carefully, emphasizing that with God, there is no injustice, partiality, or bribery.
As Christians, we are called to uphold justice and righteousness, treating all individuals with impartiality and fairness. Rather than being swayed by personal biases, we should seek to emulate God’s perfect standard of justice.
Job 34:19
“Who shows no partiality to princes and does not favor the rich over the poor, for they are all the work of his hands?”
Job acknowledges that God shows no partiality to princes or favoritism towards the rich, recognizing that all people are the work of God’s hands.
In our interactions with others, we should mirror God’s impartiality, treating individuals from all backgrounds and social statuses with equal respect and consideration.
Exodus 23:2-3
“Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd, and do not show favoritism to a poor person in a lawsuit.”
These verses caution against the dangers of following the crowd to do wrong and perverting justice by showing favoritism, whether towards the majority or the poor.
We should seek to be impartial, basing our actions and decisions on righteousness and fairness rather than being influenced by external factors or personal biases.
Proverbs 19:2
“Desire without knowledge is not good—how much more will hasty feet miss the way!”
This verse warns against making hasty decisions without proper knowledge or understanding. Acting without wisdom can lead to missing the right way.
Impartiality requires taking the time to gather information, consider all perspectives, and make well-informed judgments. Hastiness can hinder our ability to treat others fairly.