The Bible has a lot to say about the issue of favoritism. Showing partiality or favoritism to certain people over others is something that God frowns upon. Throughout Scripture, God makes it clear that He does not show favoritism among people, and neither should we. Here is an overview of some of the key Biblical passages that deal with the topic of favoritism:
Old Testament Teachings on Favoritism
The Old Testament contains several verses that instruct against showing favoritism:
Leviticus 19:15
“Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.”
This verse teaches that justice should be applied equally to all people, regardless of their status or position. Justice should not be “perverted” by showing favoritism to either the poor or the great.
Deuteronomy 1:17
“Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of anyone, for judgment belongs to God.”
Moses reminds the judges and officials to hear all cases fairly, without considering the status of the people involved. They are not to show fear or favor toward anyone because judgment comes from God alone.
Proverbs 24:23
“These also are sayings of the wise: To show partiality in judging is not good.”
This proverb reinforces the teaching that judges must not show favoritism or partiality when making legal decisions. They are to remain objective.
Proverbs 28:21
“To show partiality is not good – yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread.”
Here, Solomon observes that some people may disregard what is right in order to gain some personal advantage. Even a small bribe could sway someone to make unwise decisions.
So the Old Testament clearly condemns favoritism in legal and governmental realms. But favoritism was a problem even in other contexts in ancient Israel.
Favoritism in the New Testament
The New Testament also contains teaching against showing favoritism:
James 2:1-13
The book of James contains a lengthy section dealing with the sin of favoritism. James condemns the practice of giving preferential treatment to wealthy people while discriminating against the poor:
“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).
James says that this form of favoritism is completely contrary to the way of Christ. He reminds us that God has chosen many poor people to be “rich in faith” and to inherit the kingdom.
The passage goes on to say that showing favoritism is a form of sin and makes one a “transgressor” of God’s law (James 2:9). James calls his readers to uphold the “royal law” of loving one’s neighbor as oneself (James 2:8).
1 Timothy 5:21
“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.”
The apostle Paul instructs Timothy to remain impartial in his spiritual oversight and not prejudge issues or show favoritism. He is to follow God’s rules with utmost integrity.
So the New Testament, like the Old, condemns partiality and urges Christ-followers to avoid showing favoritism in their dealings with others.
Reasons Why Favoritism is Wrong
It is clear from Scripture that favoritism is not acceptable in God’s eyes. But why is this the case? Here are some key reasons why showing partiality is wrong:
1. Favoritism is not impartial
By definition, favoring one person or group over others is the opposite of being impartial. Scripture makes it clear that true justice requires impartiality (see Deut 16:18-20). When decisions are made based on favoritism, the outcome cannot be considered just or righteous.
2. Favoritism is discriminatory
When we show partiality, we are discriminating against the less favored individuals. This discriminatory treatment is a form of injustice that violates biblical principles of fairness and equality under the law. Scripture condemns such discrimination stemming from favoritism (Prov 18:5; 24:23; 28:21; James 2:1-9).
3. Favoritism often leads to corruption
As noted in Proverbs, showing partiality can induce people to accept bribes in order to gain favor (Prov 17:23). Once favoritism infects a society or system, it often leads to wider corruption, exploitation of the weak, and moral decay.
4. Favoritism is fleshly, not spiritual
When we show favoritism, we are acting out of worldly concerns like popularity, wealth, status, personal benefit, etc. But Scripture tells us that God sees differently than humans – He looks at the heart (1 Sam 16:7). So favoritism is a fleshly way of making judgments rather than a spiritual way.
5. Favoritism is unloving
Real love seeks the good of others impartially. “Love does not show favoritism,” writes Paul in Romans 12:10. Favoritism is ultimately a failure to love others as ourselves and to treat them as we would want to be treated (Matt 7:12).
Examples of Favoritism in the Bible
Not only does Scripture clearly prohibit favoritism – it also contains many examples of people displaying wrongful partiality. These accounts can teach us what favoritism looks like in practice:
Israel’s leaders
The prophet Amos condemns the leaders of Israel for their corrupt favoritism: “They trample on the heads of the poor as on the dust of the ground and deny justice to the oppressed” (Amos 2:7). The rulers were showing partiality to the rich while ignoring the needs of the poor.
Isaac and Rebekah
Isaac and Rebekah both favored one of their sons over the other. “Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob” (Gen 25:28). This parental favoritism led to ongoing sibling rivalry between Jacob and Esau.
Joseph’s brothers
Joseph’s brothers grew jealous that their father Jacob overtly favored Joseph over them (Gen 37:3-4). This eventually led them to sell Joseph into slavery in Egypt. Favoritism tore their family apart.
Samuel’s sons
The narrative of 1 Samuel 8 criticizes Samuel’s sons for taking bribes and perverting justice through favoritism. This corruption motivated Israel to demand a king to rule over them instead.
Ananias and Sapphira
In Acts 5, Ananias and Sapphira try to gain favor and status in the church by lying about their level of financial generosity. The apostle Peter confronts them for their deceptive flattery.
These examples show that favoritism has plagued people and cultures throughout history. Scripture honestly depicts this tendency toward partiality within families, legal systems, government, and the church.
How Can We Avoid Favoritism?
Since favoritism is roundly condemned in Scripture, how can we avoid slipping into this sinful practice ourselves? Here are some practical tips:
1. Ask God to reveal blind spots in your heart
We often show favoritism unconsciously. Pray for the Holy Spirit to bring these implicit biases to light (Psalm 139:23-24).
2. Examine your criteria for assessing people
Do you judge people by outward traits like appearance, background, or prestige? Or by inward qualities like character, wisdom, and faithfulness? Strive to use biblical criteria.
3. Consider each person as an individual
Don’t lump people into categories. Get to know people personally as unique individuals made in God’s image. Listen to their stories with empathy.
4. Emulate Jesus’ openness to outcasts
Follow Christ’s example of reaching out to those marginalized by favoritism – the poor, disabled, sinners (Luke 14:12-14). Allow God’s heart of compassion to grow in you.
5. Love others equally as you love yourself
Check your actions against the “royal law” – are you treating all people with the same care, honor, and respect you would want to receive yourself (James 2:8)?
Putting these tips into practice takes humility, wisdom, and perseverance. Thankfully we have the Holy Spirit’s help as we learn to resist favoritism and instead show Christlike impartiality.
God Shows No Favoritism
A foundational reason we should avoid favoritism is because God Himself does not show it. He is perfect in His impartiality. Several biblical passages make this clear:
Deuteronomy 10:17-19
“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. He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing.”
2 Chronicles 19:7
“Now then, let the fear of the Lord be upon you. Be careful what you do, for there is no injustice with the Lord our God, or partiality or taking bribes.”
Acts 10:34-35
“So Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.’”
Romans 2:11
“For God shows no partiality.”
Ephesians 6:9
“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.”
God judges every person by the same standard – whether they have trusted in Him and lived according to His ways. He does not judge by external factors like race, appearance, gender, age, or social status. His care and blessings extend to all people equally.
When we show favoritism, we are acting in contradiction to God’s character. As His representatives on earth, we are called to emulate His impartial, righteous judgment and care.
Favoritism Has No Place in the Church
The New Testament makes it clear that favoritism has no place within the Christian church. When believers gather, they are to honor one another equally, regardless of outward distinctions.
Several verses emphasize this teaching:
Romans 12:10
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”
1 Corinthians 12:25
“That there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.”
Galatians 3:28
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Colossians 3:11
“Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.”
James 2:1
“My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.”
Within the church, worldly status and divisions are abolished. True righteousness is found in serving one another in light of Christ’s sacrifice for all (Mark 10:42-45). When favoritism arises, believers must combat it by intentionally honoring fellow Christians of lower status.
Jesus Condemned Favoritism
During His earthly ministry, Jesus modeled impartiality and taught strongly against favoritism expressed by the religious elites of His day.
Jesus showed openness to all
Contrary to social norms, Jesus openly received and ministered to those considered “lesser” – Gentiles, Samaritans, women, children, prostitutes, tax collectors, lepers, the demon-possessed. The religious leaders derided Him for spending time with undesirables (Luke 15:1-2). But Jesus refused to show favoritism.
Jesus rebuked the scribes and Pharisees
In Matthew 23, Jesus condemned the religious leaders for their public displays of piety while neglecting justice, mercy and faithfulness (Matt 23:23). Though they appeared righteous, their favoritism and prejudice against others proved their hypocrisy. Jesus charged them with closing the kingdom of heaven to people (Matt 23:13).
Jesus told parables against favoritism
In one parable, Jesus tells of a rich man who showed favoritism by only inviting his wealthy friends and relatives to a great banquet (Luke 14:12-14). But when those invitees made excuses not to come, he invited the poor, crippled and outcasts instead. Jesus makes the moral clear – we should not just favor the elite.
Through His teaching and actions, Jesus made it undeniably clear that favoritism has no place before God. It nullifies true righteousness.
The Early Church Opposed Favoritism
The Book of Acts records how the early church grappled with overcoming favoritism in its midst. As the first Jewish followers of Jesus began to accept Gentiles into the faith, tensions arose over showing partiality to Jews or Gentiles.
The apostles explicitly prohibited favoritism within the growing, diverse church:
Acts 15:7-9
When disputes arose over whether Gentiles could be saved without first becoming Jewish proselytes, Peter argued that God showed no partiality between Jew and Gentile, cleansing Gentile hearts by faith alone.
Acts 10:34-35
Peter says, “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him.”
Acts 6:1
Greek-speaking Jewish widows were being overlooked in daily food distribution, so the apostles appointed Greeks to oversee the matter fairly.
The apostles realized that favoritism toward one’s own culture or background had no place in God’s kingdom. All believers were to be treated and valued equally.
Favoritism is a Sin God Abhors
In summary, the Bible contains a consistent message from Genesis to Revelation that favoritism is an evil, fleshly way of making judgments about people. It is a sin God abhors.
Favoritism leads to injustice, oppression of the weak, division, strife, corruption, discrimination, hatred, family dysfunction, hypocrisy, and a hardening of the heart. It has no place in societies, legal systems, churches, or relationships.
Throughout Scripture, God stipulates that His people must embrace absolute impartiality as He does. All human beings bear God’s image equally and can be saved by His grace. When believers show the impartial, selfless love of Christ to others, it provides a powerful witness of God’s kingdom to the watching world.
Rather than ranking people by worldly standards, we are called to humbly honor others above ourselves (Rom 12:10). Only then will the sinful human tendency toward favoritism be overcome.