… and there is no favoritism with him.
Summary: What kind of God do we serve, anyway? Does he ever show favoritism? As it turns out, the answer is, “No.”
The Bible does not say that God doesn’t show favor to one person or group. God loved David more than he loved Saul. God loves Israel more than he does other countries. God looked with favor on Abel’s offering but did not favor the offering brought by Able’s brother, Cain. (Genesis 4:2-5)
Favoritism is different. The Bible states that “God does not show favoritism.” (Romans 2:11) So, what is the difference?
The word “favoritism,” according to my online dictionary, means the practice of giving unfair preferential treatment to one person or group at the expense of another.” The key to this definition is the word “unfair.”
God is fair. The Bible uses the word “just” to describe God (Psalm 50:6). Justice is the essence of being fair. Because God is fair and just, he wants and expects those of us who acknowledge him and serve him to emulate him. We, too, should strive to be fair in all our dealings with others.
Do you work for someone? Does it seem that they are unfair at times? Are you angry when injustice happens in the workplace? The same holds true for managers and supervisors. Do your workers have bad attitudes? Do they break things? Are they wasteful and intentionally disobedient?
Two passages come to mind that deal with this. The first is Matthew 7:1-2. Jesus is talking about judging others. In short, don’t do it. He then goes on to say we are all hypocrites (Verses 3-5). We all have done things we shouldn’t have done. The solution is to use the opportunity of seeing someone else do wrong as a prompt to explore our own thoughts and behaviors. Are we doing the same thing?
The second passage that comes to mind is Matthew 6: 9-13, better known as the Lord’s Prayer. In this passage, Jesus reminds us that our sins are forgiven in proportion to our ability to forgive others. How can we hold a grudge towards someone and expect God to forgive us at the same time? Would that be fair? Would it be just?
In the end, we have to come back to the fundamental truth that our God is a just God (Revelation 16:7). Paul is correct in saying there is no favoritism in him. In everything we do, whether we are working for others or others are working for us, we need to exercise fairness, as well as extend mercy and forgiveness, just as we want God to extend the same to us.
Application: Live by the Word of God. “… act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
Food for Thought: How do we deal with brothers or sisters in Christ who want or expect favoritism from us?
How do we deal with brothers or sisters in Christ who want or expect favoritism from us?
Act justly. If they try to question or call out, explain why is fair treatment. If someone really can’t stand not being a favorite, you might have to put up with some push back for a while. If they decide to make bad decisions because they feel hurt because ‘they deserve to be the favorite’, then apply the scriptures for correcting a brother.
That said, this ultimately gets emotional, so it will never feel as easy as that.
Remember to be peaceable with everyone as far as it is dependent on you. AKA, be responsible for your actions and remember that you can’t control others or their feelings.
Great advice, Angela!
We cannot be responsible for how others choose to feel. Also, pursuing peace is critical. Well said!
I think in all things we have to look to the “heart of the matter”, that is to say, how do our actions serve the Lord’s purpose. If the church is planning to feed the community, and you make food available to the workers who haven’t been able to eat before the event to make sure they have the energy to serve throughout the event, that can be viewed as favoritism, but it serves the purpose of the Lord to prepare ourselves for service. If you tell the workers to take from the table before the event so they can get a taste of the “good food” before it is all eaten up, that too can be viewed as favoritism, but it doesn’t serve the Lord because it is putting ourselves before others.
In both cases, the outward appearance could be viewed as the same.
I think when faced with a decision like that, the wisest thing to say is “let me pray about that” and then pray about that. It changes the dynamic for everyone involved. We can trust that the answer the Holy Spirit gives will serve God’s plan for all our lives.
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
Good thoughts, Chris!
People who believe they deserve special treatment are, in fact, “captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy.”
I might look at this a little different than some because of what I do as an occupation, because for me this is a common occurrence. The thing I try to lovingly get across is that by showing favoritism to one person I am showing disdain for another who does not get the same treatment. It begins to resemble a favored child or grandchild – the favored one feels loved, the others feel hated, ignored and taken for granted.
Rich,
Thank you! It sounds like it is walking a tightrope… with people pushing at you from both sides!
10-05-2023, How do we deal with brothers or sisters in Christ who want or expect favoritism from us?
To show favoritism, give preference to one person over others is similar to discrimination and may be based on conditions such as social class, wealth, clothing, existing conditions or actions.
To expect favoritism or special treatment could be a sign of immaturity, possibly a fake Christian, or it could be a plea from a brother or sister needing help with an unexpected event beyond their control.
We must act objectively, within God’s will, 1 Timothy 5:21
James warned against favoring rich Christians, James 2:1-4
All widows to be treated equally, Acts 6:1
We commanded to care for the poor, Proverbs 19:17, 1 John 3:17-18
The first thing I would choose to do is find a quiet place and prayerfully discuss the foundation for their request or the expectations of the requesting person, in light of God’s Word.
If this would resolve the situation, that would be great, if we part company with the situation needing the attention of Elders or the Pastor, I wold take it to them
Thank you, Ron!
Your point about what people expect and what it says about them is well made. It is one thing to have to deal with the request to treat someone special, it is another to expect such treatment.