God's Words on Favoritism

(photo courtesy of Webshots)

I was raised in a big family. I’m the youngest in the brood of 9, but though I’m the youngest, I never been treated as special nor had the feeling of being favored more than the rest of my siblings. It was our parent’s way of fair treatment that nobody of us could pinpoint who’s the favorite one among us. If my mother would be asked who’s her favorite child. She easily retorted, “I treat my children fairly because they all came from me and they are all part of me,” a good piece of wisdom from a beloved mother.

On the other hand, my mother-in-law is so vocal in declaring to her children about her favorite son, a second to the eldest among her seven all boys children. Unfortunately it’s not my husband. Everybody knows even the relatives about her favorite son, oh ye, even the in-laws know it and I just feel sorry for my husband, but he doesn’t mind at all. My husband happens to be the third to the youngest. He would just say, “it’s her choice.” But there is every reason why my mother-in-law had picked the second to the eldest as her favorite. He has brought honor to the family, a consistent honor student, a very dignified man, humble and has mellowed and tender voice, I never see him blowing his temper which is common attitude in other siblings like my husband. But I would say either, that it’s not a valid reason to be impartial in dealing with others much more with your children.

I came to understand that every child that though, they belong to same parents have distinct personality which is unique with each other. Each one has its own gift and talent given from above and it is every duty of the parents to inspire their children, to harness and use the talent for his success with no impartiality dealings and favoritism.

But the favored one will always lost from the parent’s sight as base from my viewpoint with reference to some of the story in the Bible

Rebecca made a way for her favorite son, Jacob to run from his brother, Esau’s anger and sent him to her brother, Laban in far land for his temporary dwelling, From then on Rebecca never see her favorite son again.

Jacob’s favorite son, Joseph was separated from him for almost ten years when he was sold by his envious brothers to be a slave and brought to Egypt.

My brother-in-law, the favorite son likewise has bore a family in distant place where they permanently stayed for more than 25 years and seldom come home to visit his ailing mother.

Do God intentionally remove from somebody the one she adored, to let her suffered the pain and enabled her to let go of the impartiality, obsession, idolatry and favoritism. God wants us to direct our hope and inspiration to His son, Jesus Christ alone. When you chose to give much of your love to your favored child you’re blocking God’s blessing which is intended for other children?

Acts 2:34
34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality

Malachi 2:9
9 “Therefore, I have made you a contemptible in the eyes of all the people, for you have not obeyed Me, but you let your favorite break the law without rebuke.”