The Sin of Showing Favoritism

I know I will have to be very careful as I deal with this subject today, or I could say the wrong thing. However, I feel strongly about the sin of showing favoritism. I believe it is a sin that causes a lot of damage in our relationships. We have all heard siblings say their parents loved one of them more than the others. I believe they do that because it does cause some hurt to be less favored than the others. Of course, this principle extends to many areas of our lives.

Jacob had a problem with showing favoritism both with his wives and his children. (Of course, he shouldn't have had 2 wives, anyway, but that is another lesson.) (Genesis 37:3,4) Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other children, because he had been born in his old age. He made him a beautiful robe as a special gift. His brothers hated Joseph because Jacob loved him more that he loved them. They couldn't even say a kind word to Joseph. I believe that is how much it hurt them.

I call showing favoritism a sin because the Bible tells us that "God is not a respecter of persons." That means that He doesn't look on the outer appearance of people or favor them for some other outward characteristic. God looks on the heart. More than that, God loves everyone. (John 3:16) Jesus died for all people, and He did it out of love for all people. When we don't love our enemies as Jesus commanded, that is a sin. Therefore, when we show favoritism, so that we don't love everyone as we should, it is a sin. Then, when we do something outwardly that shows our favoritism, it really hurts others.

This is why I believe we, as Christians, must be careful how we show our love for our family, our friends, and our church family. We never want anyone to feel left out or inferior. We are all made in God's image. It is a sin to say or do anything that tells another person we don't love them as much as we love others. If we commit this sin, either willfully or unintentionally, we need to do what we can to make it right. Then, we need to resolve to love like Jesus loves.

#NHBaptistdotorg

Tomorrow, I intend to read Genesis 38-40.