Favouritism

The unfair treatment of a person or group in preference to another. Favouritism is shown in Scripture as causing division both in the family and in the church. It is warned against in the administration of justice. The human tendency to partiality is contrasted with God's impartial dealings.

Favouritism in family life

Isaac's preference for Esau

Genesis 25:23, Genesis 25:28

Rebekah's preference for Jacob

Genesis 27:6–10

Jacob's preference for Joseph

Genesis 37:3–4

Elkanah's preference for Hannah

1 Samuel 1:5–6

The child of a favourite wife must not receive preferential treatment

Deuteronomy 21:15–16

Favouritism in church relationships

In the treatment of widows

Acts 6:1

James warned against favouring rich Christians

James 2:1–4, James 2:8–9

Paul warned Timothy against showing favouritism

1 Timothy 5:21

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 partiality.

Justice must be impartial

Leviticus 19:15 See also Exodus 23:3; Deuteronomy 16:19; Job 13:10; Psalm 82:2; Proverbs 24:23, Proverbs 28:21; Malachi 2:9

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.

God has no favourites

Romans 2:11 See also Job 34:19; Matthew 5:45

For God does not show favoritism.

God has no favourite nation

Acts 10:34–35 See also Romans 2:10; Ephesians 6:8–9

Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.

God does not differentiate between Jewish and Gentile Christians

Acts 15:7–9; Romans 10:12–13

God judges all without favouritism

Deuteronomy 10:17; 2 Chronicles 19:7; Romans 2:9; Colossians 3:25; 1 Peter 1:17