In the context of the Bible, the concept of "favourites" can be understood through the lens of divine favor, human relationships, and the moral implications of favoritism. The Bible addresses the idea of favoritism in various contexts, emphasizing both the impartiality of God and the challenges humans face in dealing with favoritism.

Divine Favor

The Bible frequently speaks of God's favor towards individuals and nations. Divine favor is often associated with God's grace and blessings bestowed upon those who are faithful and obedient to His will. For instance, Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord due to his righteousness amidst a corrupt generation (Genesis 6:8). Similarly, Mary, the mother of Jesus, was highly favored by God, chosen to bear the Savior (Luke 1:28).

Human Favoritism

While divine favor is a positive concept, human favoritism is often portrayed negatively in the Scriptures. The Bible warns against showing partiality, especially in matters of justice and community relations. James 2:1-4 admonishes believers not to show favoritism, particularly in the assembly, where the rich might be favored over the poor. This passage underscores the principle that all are equal before God, and favoritism contradicts the law of love.

Family Dynamics

The Bible provides several examples of favoritism within family dynamics, often leading to conflict and strife. One notable example is the favoritism shown by Isaac and Rebekah towards their sons, Esau and Jacob, respectively (Genesis 25:28). This favoritism led to deception, rivalry, and long-term family discord. Similarly, Jacob's favoritism towards Joseph, marked by the gift of a multicolored coat, incited jealousy and hatred among his brothers, ultimately resulting in Joseph's sale into slavery (Genesis 37:3-4).

God's Impartiality

Despite human tendencies towards favoritism, the Bible consistently affirms God's impartiality. Romans 2:11 states, "For God does not show favoritism." This principle is foundational to understanding God's justice and mercy, as He judges each person according to their deeds and faith, not their status or appearance. Acts 10:34-35 further emphasizes this truth, as Peter declares, "I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right."

Moral and Ethical Implications

The Bible's teachings on favoritism carry significant moral and ethical implications for believers. Christians are called to emulate God's impartiality by treating others with fairness and love, regardless of their social, economic, or cultural status. This is reflected in the command to love one's neighbor as oneself (Matthew 22:39) and the call to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8).

In summary, while the Bible acknowledges the reality of favoritism in human relationships, it consistently upholds the ideal of impartiality, reflecting God's character and His call for believers to live in love and justice.

The King's Favourites.
... THE KING'S FAVOURITES. 9,9,4,10 Solche Leute will der K??nig k?�ssen. [321]Nicolaus
von Zinzendorf. trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1869. ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/the kings favourites.htm

Christ's Exaltation
... up in the clouds, as his triumphant chariot, he gives the gift of his Spirit to
us; as a king at his coronation bestows gifts liberally on his favourites. IV. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 christs exaltation.htm

The Ninth Commandment
... There is, I suppose, an allusion to kings, who being resolved to protect their
favourites against the accusation of men, take them into their bed-chamber, or ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 9 the ninth commandment.htm

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... Observe, dear friends, that these were choice favourites of the Lord Jesus
Christ. He loves all the elect. They were three special ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm

Sermon.
... which gives to them their reality. The writer of ordinary histories has
for the most part his favourites. These are the heroes of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/wright/is the young man absalom safe/sermon.htm

Gethsemane
... Yet I say, even these, the elect out of the elect, these choice and peculiar favourites
among the kings courtiers, even these cannot penetrate the secret ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/gethsemane.htm

Preface
... Of course, his favourites appear"Dante and Pascal, Butler and Andrewes, Bunyan and
Edwards: they contribute their gift of illustration or enforcement, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/preface.htm

Fellow-Followers
... That plan includes the whole race. God has no favourites among the nations. When
the hour is ripe for an advance step, a man is found ripened for leadership. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on following the christ/fellow-followers.htm

The Martyrdom of Stephen.
... men, in whose presence Stephen now stood, entertained lofty ideas of their own
character, and were fully persuaded that they were the favourites and devoted ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture ix the martyrdom of.htm

Paul Before the Council.
... This statement was so contrary to the pleasing idea, that they were the favourites
of Heaven, and to the contempt in which they held the nations of the world ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxvi paul before the.htm

Favourites (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Favourites (1 Occurrence). Psalms 45:9 Kings
daughters are among thy honorable women: At thy right hand ...
/f/favourites.htm - 6k

Favouritism (1 Occurrence)

/f/favouritism.htm - 6k

Favouring (4 Occurrences)

/f/favouring.htm - 7k

Solomon (277 Occurrences)
... Chief among the causes of his decline were his polygamy and his great wealth.
"As he grew older he spent more of his time among his favourites. ...
/s/solomon.htm - 101k

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