Favoritism is an issue that is addressed several times throughout the Bible. Showing partiality or favoritism to certain people over others is generally warned against and discouraged. Here is an overview of some key Bible passages that deal with the topic of favoritism:
Old Testament Verses on Favoritism
In the Old Testament, God makes it clear that he does not show favoritism, but judges all people fairly:
“For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe.” (Deuteronomy 10:17)
“For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe.” (2 Chronicles 19:7)
He commands his people to do the same and not show favoritism in judging matters:
“You shall not fall in with the many to do evil, nor shall you bear witness in a lawsuit, siding with the many, so as to pervert justice, nor shall you be partial to a poor man in his lawsuit.” (Exodus 23:2-3)
“You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor.” (Leviticus 19:15)
Showing partiality is linked to bribery and perverting justice. The Old Testament makes it clear God does not operate that way, and neither should his people.
New Testament Verses on Favoritism
In the New Testament, the apostles also taught against favoritism in the church. James confronts the issue head-on:
“My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” (James 2:1-4)
He argues that favoring the rich over the poor is not following Jesus’ command to love your neighbor as yourself. Favoritism is sinful and goes against God’s heart.
In the early church, the apostles had to deal with favoritism creeping in. The Greek-speaking widows were being cared for while the Hebrew-speaking widows were neglected in the daily distribution of food and resources (Acts 6:1). The apostles addressed this right away by appointing deacons to ensure impartial care for all.
Paul also made it clear that in Christ, human distinctions that lead to partiality are done away with:
“Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.” (Colossians 3:11)
Our primary identity is in Christ, which transcends any earthly status. Favoritism has no place in the body of Christ.
Principles Against Favoritism
Based on these and other Bible passages, we can summarize the main principles about favoritism:
- God himself does not show favoritism or partiality in any way.
- Favoritism leads to injustice and perverts true judgment.
- We are not to give preferential treatment to the rich or powerful over the poor and marginalized.
- All human distinctions are erased in Christ, and we should not show favoritism in the church.
- We are to love our neighbor as ourself, without partiality.
Verses Urging Impartiality
Along with denouncing favoritism, the Bible urges impartiality and treating all people fairly:
“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.” (Psalm 89:14)
“He who says to the wicked, “You are innocent,” will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations, but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, and a good blessing will come upon them.” (Proverbs 24:24-25)
“To have respect for persons in judgment is not good.” (Proverbs 28:21)
“Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.” (Colossians 4:1)
“And masters, do the same to [your slaves], and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.” (Ephesians 6:9)
We are always to judge matters justly, treat people equitably, and follow our Master’s example of impartiality.
Favoritism Towards Believers
While favoritism towards certain people is generally denounced, the Bible does suggest some priority for fellow believers. For example:
“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)
This does not justify total neglect of unbelievers, but suggests special care can be warranted for brothers and sisters in Christ. However, even this priority becomes null if used as an excuse for mistreating those outside the faith.
Cautions Against Misusing “Favoritism” Charges
While Scripture clearly denounces partiality, it also cautions against falsely accusing others of favoritism. We see this in Jesus’ ministry. When he dined with tax collectors and sinners, the Pharisees accused him of favoritism (Matthew 9:11). But Jesus was reaching out to the lost and marginalized in an effort to restore them. Showing care and concern for one person or group over another is not automatically favoritism.
Likewise, when Paul and Barnabas determined to focus their missionary work on the Gentiles after being rejected by the Jews, they were simply following the Holy Spirit’s leading rather than favoring one group (Acts 13:46). We must take care to discern when alleged “favoritism” is simply good stewardship, wisdom, or obedience to God’s calling.
Cautions Against Playing Favorites Today
The universal principle against showing favoritism applies just as much today as ever. Though we no longer make distinctions explicitly based on ethnicity, social status, or gender as in Bible times, more subtle partiality still creeps in. Whether in the church or workplace, we are prone to favor:
- Attractive or charismatic people over plain or awkward people
- The well-educated over the less educated
- Our family and friends over strangers
- Those most like us culturally over those from other cultures
But the Bible reminds us that only the Lord sees and judges the heart rightly. We are called to imitate His impartiality and treat all people with equal dignity, not playing favorites due to outward circumstances.
Practical Application
So what should favoritism look like in practice? Here are some ways we can avoid partiality and treat all people fairly:
- Evaluate our own hearts and motivations when making decisions or forming impressions. Are we being swayed by outward traits?
- Give the benefit of the doubt and show grace rather than jumping to conclusions about others.
- Listen well and seek to understand others’ situations and perspectives.
- Consider lesser-known candidates for positions rather than defaulting to those most visible.
- Interact respectfully with all people, regardless of background or social status.
- Advocate for and practically serve the vulnerable and disadvantaged in our spheres of influence.
- Support leaders, policies, and organizations that work to overcome injustice.
While we cannot control others’ behavior, we can each strive to uphold God’s standard of impartiality in how we live, lead, and relate to those around us day by day.
Examples of Favoritism in the Bible
Looking at positive and negative examples can help illustrate favoritism in action:
Negative Examples
- Joseph and his brothers: Joseph was clearly the favorite son, receiving a richly ornamented robe from his father (Genesis 37:3). This contributed to the brothers’ jealousy and decision to sell Joseph into slavery in Egypt.
- Leah and Rachel: Jacob favored his wife Rachel over Leah, who was unloved (Genesis 29:30). This favoritism led to family discord.
- Eli and his sons: Eli failed to restrain his wicked sons Hophni and Phinehas from dishonoring the priesthood. He favored them because they were his children (1 Samuel 2:29).
- Solomon and Adonijah: Adonijah tried to claim the throne before Solomon could, but Bathsheba reminded David of his oath that Solomon would succeed him. David ordered Solomon’s coronation, showing favoritism to Solomon over his older brother (1 Kings 1).
Positive Examples
- Mordecai and Esther: Mordecai refused to show favoritism and bow down to Haman, an enemy of the Jews (Esther 3:2).
- Job: Known for being impartial, not favoring the rich over the poor or powerful over weak (Job 13:8, Job 29:21-25, Job 31:13-15).
- Zechariah and Elizabeth: Upright and devout couple, “both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord” (Luke 1:6).
- Jesus: Reached out to and welcomed the poor, marginalized, and sinful without showing preference (Matthew 11:19).
These examples remind us of the importance of avoiding partiality in our families, vocations, and ministries.
Bible Stories Related to Favoritism
Several Bible stories vividly depict the issue of favoritism:
Cain and Abel
Adam and Eve’s sons Cain and Abel brought offerings to the Lord. Abel’s offering from his flock pleased God, but Cain’s offering from his harvest did not. Some speculate that God favored the animal sacrifice over the grain offering. Cain then murdered his brother out of jealousy that God favored Abel (Genesis 4:1-8). This deadly favoritism highlights the need to offer our best to God rather than competing with others.
Jacob and Esau
Though twins, Jacob and Esau’s father Isaac favored Esau while Rebekah favored Jacob. Jacob exploited this favoritism and his brother’s weakness for a bowl of stew to coerce Esau into trading away his birthright. He later deceived his father to steal Esau’s blessing as well, prompting Esau’s bitterness (Genesis 25-27). Parental favoritism bred family deceit and strife.
The Prodigal Son
In this parable, the father’s eager embrace and celebration of his returned wayward son aroused indignation from his older obedient son. The father responded by affirming his love for the older son as well, urging him to join in the rejoicing over his brother’s redemption (Luke 15:11-32). Divine grace extends to all, regardless of birth order, upbringing, or prior choices.
These and other Bible stories illustrate the envy, resentment, and dysfunction that favoritism breeds. They underscore the need for impartiality.
Bible Characters Who Experienced Favoritism
Many key Bible characters experienced the impacts of favoritism, both positive and negative:
- Joseph: Favored by his father, envied and betrayed by his brothers (Genesis 37).
- Isaac: Favored from birth as the long-awaited son of promise to Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 21).
- Leah: Unloved compared to favored Rachel, Jacob’s other wife (Genesis 29).
- Benjamin: As Rachel’s second son, he became Jacob’s favorite after Joseph’s disappearance (Genesis 42:4).
- Esther: The new queen favored by the king, who granted her request to save the Jews (Esther 7).
- Daniel: Favored by kings like Nebuchadnezzar and Darius for his wisdom, but envied by other nobles for it (Daniel 1-6).
- Mary: Highly favored by God to bear Jesus, but likely regarded with suspicion by others (Luke 1:28).
- John: Known as the “disciple whom Jesus loved” who enjoyed a close relationship with him (John 13:23).
Their stories reveal both the power and peril of favoritism, reminding us to extend grace to those impacted by it.
Overcoming Favoritism
The Bible makes it clear favoritism has no place among God’s people. Here are some ways to overcome it:
- Reflect on our prejudices and ask God to change our hearts and minds.
- Spend time with and listen to those different than us.
- Advocate for and provide resources to those often marginalized.
- Promote diversity and inclusion in our organizations.
- Evaluate policies and processes for hidden bias.
- Speak up respectfully when we notice favoritism occurring.
- Focus on individual merit, gifting, and calling when selecting candidates.
- Aim for impartiality in language and behavior, not playing favorites.
Of course only Christ can fully purify our motivations. As we grow in grace, we become more like Him – loving all people impartially out of a heart changed by the Gospel.
Conclusion
Favoritism is a natural human tendency that can easily corrupt our relationships and undermine organizations. The Bible offers numerous warnings against showing partiality. God evaluates all people – rich or poor, male or female, family or foreigner – by the same unchanging standard of righteousness. His people are to judge matters impartially, without preferential treatment. While grace is to be extended to all, special priority can be given to fellow believers under certain circumstances. Yet the Gospel ultimately erases human divisions, inviting us to treat everyone with equal dignity as image-bearers of God. By growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ, we become more capable of impartiality and upholding biblical standards of fairness.