Favouritism: Understanding Partiality and Its Consequences

Favouritism is the practice of showing special treatment, attention, or preference to one or just some individuals within a group, to the neglect of others. This unjust bias creates division, bitterness, and resentment, often leading those who are unfairly treated to seek retribution. The Bible consistently warns against partiality and calls us to treat everyone with equal respect and dignity.

The Nature of Favouritism

Favouritism manifests when we give preferential treatment to certain individuals based on personal affinity, relationship, or bias rather than objective merit or need. It is unwise to show any unfair bias or discrimination towards specific people, as this creates envy, bitterness, division and often leads to those unjustly treated trying to get even. The biblical account of Joseph illustrates this danger vividly—Joseph was a favoured son, and this quickly turned to hatred and almost ended in him being murdered by his non-favoured brothers (Gen 37:3-4,18).

Parents especially should give equal love, attention and appropriate discipline to each of their children, not spoiling some at the expense of their siblings even though there may be a closer bond or affinity with some than with others. This principle extends beyond family relationships into every sphere of human interaction, including workplaces, communities, and churches.

We will naturally relate more to some people than to others, but we should value and respect everyone, regardless of their nationality, gender, social standing, likeability, ability, talents and compatibility. The challenge lies not in eliminating our natural preferences but in refusing to let them influence how we treat others or make decisions that affect them.

Do I respect and value others equally or am I guilty of favourtism?

Biblical Teaching on Partiality

The Bible explicitly condemns showing partiality or preference, identifying it as a sin (Ex 23:3; Lev 19:15; 1 Tim 5:21; Jas 2:1-9). The book of James particularly addresses this issue, warning against giving special treatment to the wealthy while disregarding the poor, emphasizing that such behavior contradicts the royal law found in Scripture to love your neighbor as yourself.

Jesus identified with the poor and those unable to help themselves, showing them just as much love as He did the rich people. He demonstrated radical impartiality in His ministry, associating with tax collectors, sinners, social outcasts, and those marginalized by society. His teaching challenges us to love not only those who love us but also those who persecute us (Mt 5:43-48), extending grace even to our enemies.

Jesus said, "Whatever you do [or don't do], for one of the least of these you do [or don't do], for me" (Mt 25:35-45). This powerful statement reveals that how we treat those with the least social, economic, or political power is actually a reflection of how we treat Christ Himself. It elevates the principle of impartiality from a mere social courtesy to a spiritual imperative with eternal significance

God's Impartial Character

God loves everyone because they are made in His image and He is always just and fair with His judgements always right (Gen 1:26; Deut 32:4; Ps 7:11; Lam 3:22-23; Jn 3:16). There is no favouritism with God; we are all equal before the cross on which Jesus died to provide salvation for all—yet to experience this depends on personal choice (Jn 1:12; Rom 2:11; Eph 6:9).

He is not a respecter of persons for whoever comes to Him He will accept (Jn 6:37; Act 10:34-35). With perfect, unbiased love God sends the sun and rain on both the just and unjust. Neither does He show favouritism regarding judgment for sin (Mt 5:45; Col 3:25). God's impartial nature reflects His perfect justice and His love for all humanity equally.

From our human viewpoint, favouritism means a place of higher status with unfair treatment of anyone not favoured. Showing favouritism is wrong, as it prefers some above others, as opposed to the desirable receiving or giving of favour—that is, an act of kindness, grace, approval or goodwill. We must distinguish between the sinful practice of partiality and the gracious bestowal of unmerited favor that reflects God's character.

Reflection and Application:

Examine your relationships and decision-making for signs of partiality based on external factors rather than character or need.
Consider how you might demonstrate greater respect and value toward those who have little to offer you in return.
Reflect on whether your treatment of others reflects the impartial love and justice that God demonstrates toward all people.
Identify practical steps you can take to ensure fairness and equality in your sphere of influence, whether family, workplace, or community.