If you grew up with siblings, you might have wondered: who was the favored child? And how did it shape you?
Favoritism happens more often than we admit, and its effects can be deeply negative. Have you ever caught yourself showing favoritism toward a certain child?
The Bible offers a powerful example of favoritism through the story of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (who was later named Israel by God). Israel had 12 sons, but he loved one more than the others—Joseph.
"Since Joseph was born when his father Israel was old, Israel loved him more than his other sons. He made Joseph a special robe with long sleeves. When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father loved him more than he loved them, they hated their brother and could not speak to him politely.”
(Genesis 37:3-4, NCV)
This favoritism led to bitterness, jealousy, and betrayal. Joseph’s story, found in Genesis 37 through Exodus 1, is an extraordinary tale of hardship and redemption. Despite the brokenness in his family, God used Joseph’s life for miraculous purposes.
Jesus summed up the entire Bible in two simple yet profound commandments:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. And love your neighbor as yourself.”
(Matthew 22:37-39)
When love becomes our guiding principle, everything changes. A life grounded in love—true, Godly love—leaves no room for favoritism. Love compels us to confess our sins, to forgive others, to sin less, and to love the unlovable. It stirs our hearts to help those in need and fills us with compassion for the struggling. It draws us closer to God, enabling us to honor and worship Him with our whole lives.
This kind of life leads to fulfillment, strength, and the unshakable joy of knowing Christ. And the best part? It doesn’t end here. God promises eternity with Him in the new heaven and the new earth. Who wouldn’t want that?
So why do we chase after other things instead of what God offers? I understand that struggle. I’ve been there—lost and distracted. There’s no judgment here.
But here’s the truth:
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and if you believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you will be saved.”
(Romans 10:9, NCV)
And:
“If we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right. He will cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done.”
(1 John 1:9, NCV)
So many people live weighed down by guilt and shame, but freedom is available—right now. You can start fresh today. Simply confess your need for Christ and surrender your heart to Him. When you do, you’ll witness an unbelievable transformation in your life.
When we allow God to change our hearts, our lives will follow. Maybe it’s time to be set free.
LORD, help us to be honest with ourselves, to love You fully, and to love others as much as we love ourselves. In Jesus’ name, amen. ♥️
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