“I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism” (1 Timothy 5:21).
The other day, I was with a friend who has two sons and a daughter. My friend was excitedly talking about all the things she and her daughter were doing together and about her daughter’s activities in school. After a while, I began to ask questions about her sons. She was surprised I wanted to talk about them, but she politely answered my questions before returning to her favorite topic once again-her daughter.
It was very apparent to me that out of all her children, she loved her daughter best. I’m certain it must be equally obvious to her sons.
Every mother who has more than one child should guard her heart carefully against favoritism. Having a favorite child is never a good idea because each child God gives us is very special. Each one has unique talents and abilities.
Favoritism hurts children deeply, creating bitterness that may take years to dispel. Each of our children has the capacity to be hurt when we show preference to another child.
Favoritism is wrong because God’s Word forbids it. James writes, “If you show favoritism, you sin” (2:9).
If you have a favorite child, ask God to help you love your other children just as much. Ask Him to heal any family hurts your favoritism might have caused.
God can help you start your relationships with your children over again, if that is what you need to do.
There is always hope with God.
Kimberly Snider is a missionary to the Philippines.
From “Moments for Moms,” a free email subscription.
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