Favoritism in the Bible
I began to think seriously about the topic of favoritism after a recent visit from my parents. I won't get into my family's favoritism. I saw it go as far back as my grandfather, though. I see it in the newest generation. It's clearly a problem, yet no one wants to address it. Favoritism has long-lasting and devastating consequences in families, even generations later. The Bible has some examples of favoritism from which we can learn. I'm sure we can think of examples in our own lives too. It's a rather ugly thing. We can spot it in others a mile away. But can we see it in ourselves? The Bible warns us not to show favoritism, as God does not show favor based on things people do, such as wealth or fame. It repeatedly warns against an uneven way of measuring or judging people. A lot of those verses are found in Proverbs. If God shows favoritism, it is only toward His people, though He clearly left the door open to heaven and His blessings to everyone in the world. (...