Topical Encyclopedia
Favouritism, also known as partiality or respect of persons, is the practice of giving unfair preferential treatment to one person or group at the expense of others. In the biblical context, favouritism is consistently portrayed as contrary to God's character and His expectations for human conduct.
Biblical Condemnation of FavouritismThe Bible explicitly condemns favouritism, emphasizing that God Himself does not show partiality. In
Deuteronomy 10:17, it is stated, "For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God, showing no partiality and accepting no bribe." This foundational truth about God's nature sets the standard for human behavior, as believers are called to emulate God's impartiality.
The New Testament reinforces this principle. In
James 2:1, believers are admonished, "My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism." James further illustrates this with a practical example, warning against giving preferential treatment to the rich over the poor within the assembly (
James 2:2-4). This teaching underscores the importance of treating all individuals with equal respect and dignity, regardless of their social or economic status.
Favouritism in Family DynamicsThe Bible provides several narratives that highlight the destructive consequences of favouritism within families. One of the most notable examples is the account of Jacob and his sons. Jacob's preferential treatment of Joseph, marked by the gift of a richly ornamented robe, incited jealousy and strife among his other sons (
Genesis 37:3-4). This favouritism ultimately led to Joseph's brothers selling him into slavery, setting off a chain of events that would profoundly impact the family and the future of Israel.
Similarly, the account of Isaac and Rebekah's favouritism towards their sons Esau and Jacob (
Genesis 25:28) resulted in deception, division, and long-lasting familial conflict. These accounts serve as cautionary tales, illustrating how favouritism can fracture relationships and lead to unintended consequences.
Favouritism in Leadership and JusticeScripture also addresses the issue of favouritism in leadership and the administration of justice. Leaders are called to judge fairly and without partiality. In
Leviticus 19:15, the Israelites are instructed, "You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly." This command underscores the importance of impartiality in maintaining justice and righteousness within the community.
The New Testament echoes this sentiment in the context of church leadership. In
1 Timothy 5:21, Paul charges Timothy, "I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to maintain these principles without bias, and to do nothing out of favoritism." This directive highlights the necessity for church leaders to act without prejudice, ensuring that decisions are made based on truth and righteousness rather than personal preference.
God's Impartiality and the GospelThe impartial nature of God is central to the message of the Gospel. In
Acts 10:34-35, Peter declares, "I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right." This revelation underscores the universality of the Gospel message, affirming that salvation through Jesus Christ is available to all, regardless of ethnicity, social status, or background.
Paul reiterates this truth in
Romans 2:11, stating, "For God does not show favoritism." This principle is foundational to the Christian faith, emphasizing that all people are equal before God and that His grace is extended to everyone who believes.
In summary, the Bible consistently teaches against favouritism, urging believers to reflect God's impartiality in their relationships, leadership, and administration of justice. Through these teachings, Scripture calls for a community marked by fairness, equality, and love for all individuals.
Library
The Second Epistle of St. Peter
... preaching (iii.2). Allotted implies the free favour and goodness of God, and the
equity of our God points to the divine freedom fromfavouritism; supreme as...
Introductory
... the "Divine Library" is nevertheless, and from a higher point of view, One Book
all through, will be always on the guard against a mistakenfavouritism in his...
On the Morrow of the Transfiguration
... We cannot for a moment imagine, that there wasfavouritism in the selection of
certain Apostles to share in what the others might not witness....
'A Mirror for Magistrates'
... They are not only to act for and with Jehovah, but to do like Him, avoiding injustice,
favouritism, and corruption, the plague-spots of Eastern law-courts....
Man's Passions and God's Purpose
... The whole miserable household strife teaches the rottenness of the polygamous relation
on which it rested, and the folly of paternalfavouritism....
Dignity and Service
... and us all, that there are degrees in nearness to Him and in dignity in that future,
but that the highest places are not given byfavouritism, but attained by...
'Clear Shining after Rain'
... above their highest wave. And why did God 'remember Noah'? It was not
favouritism, arbitrary and immoral. Noah was bid to build...
God's True Treasure in Man
... We are His and He is ours by the double action of His love manifested by Him, and
His love received by us. Now there is nothing in all that offavouritism....
The Note of Accusation.
... In every age the Church displaysfavouritism in her doctrinal attachments. In our
time it is the doctrine of the divine Fatherhood of which the most is heard....
Nearest to Christ
... 'You would sit on My right hand and on My left? You think of that pre-eminence as
conferred because you chose to ask it"as given by a piece offavouritism....
Thesaurus
Favouritism (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Favouritism (1 Occurrence). James 3:17 The wisdom
from above is first of all pure, then peaceful, courteous
...Insincerity (5 Occurrences)
... 3:17 The wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceful, courteous, not
self-willed, full of compassion and kind actions, free fromfavouritism and from...
Favours (3 Occurrences)
Favourites (1 Occurrence)
Courteous (2 Occurrences)
... 3:17 The wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceful, courteous, not
self-willed, full of compassion and kind actions, free fromfavouritism and from...
Sincere (18 Occurrences)
... 3:17 The wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceful, courteous, not
self-willed, full of compassion and kind actions, free fromfavouritism and from...
Self-willed (4 Occurrences)
... 3:17 The wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceful, courteous, not
self-willed, full of compassion and kind actions, free fromfavouritism and from...
Actions (62 Occurrences)
... 3:17 The wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceful, courteous, not
self-willed, full of compassion and kind actions, free fromfavouritism and from...
Compassion (145 Occurrences)
... 3:17 The wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceful, courteous, not
self-willed, full of compassion and kind actions, free fromfavouritism and from...
Resources
What does the Bible say about favoritism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about nepotism? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Jacob give Joseph a coat of many colors? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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