Dad's Favorite

Isaiah 11:3 He will delight in obeying the LORD. He will not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay.

Jeremiah 17:10 But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.”

Romans 8:27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will

Romans 2:11 For God does not show favoritism.

Acts 10:34 Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism"

As an only child, I never felt like I had to battle to be the favorite child. I have, however, had the chance to watch the sibling dynamic play out among friends with their siblings, friends with multiple kids, and family members. Several times as a teacher, I saw students strive to live up to (or avoid) the shadow of an older sibling. It seems the sibling relationship at it's core is riddled with competition. Who is Mom's favorite? If my brother got that, then I should get this. If my sister does that, then I have to do one better. The favorite gets the leniency when grounding time comes. The favorite gets a break when a bad grade comes home. But the real secret I saw many times? There was no favorite. Sibling rivalry to be the "golden child" is often just a battle between the siblings. Mom and Dad love them both just the same.

So it is with our Daddy God. He doesn't care about what others say about us, He cares only what He knows about us. We don't have to strive to live up to someone else's level. No matter how much or how little we do, God doesn't keep a chore chart, He examines our hearts, rewarding each of His kids according to what each kid deserves without comparing. In the end, God does not have a favorite. We are all His kids. So turn your eyes, and your heart, toward your heavenly Father. You know how much He loves me? He loves you just as much.