PODCAST
Favoritism Is Judging
April 18th, 2023
James 2:8-13
People have all kinds of favorites: favorite colors, favorite foods, favorite sports, or favorite vacation spots. Mostly this is a harmless personal preference. It is important to remember, however, that all favoritism is judging. What may be trivial when it comes to food, fashion choice, or recreational activity; can become tragic in the field of personal relationships.
Isaac and Rebekah had twin sons, Esau and Jacob. Esau was the eldest by only a few seconds. According to custom Esau would receive a special inheritance, the birthright due a firstborn son. Jacob would not. There was a problem however, “Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob” (Genesis 25:28). This favoritism led to lies, deception and theft of the coveted birthright.
God refuses to play favorites when it comes to the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life in Jesus Christ (see Galatians 3:26-29). He expects that we who have received this grace value others the same way. Just love for all.
Author: Duane Brush
