My wife and I have one grandchild, so it’s easy to know who’s the favorite. When another comes along, we’ll play our cards close to the vest. Favoritism comes natural, as we like being around certain people more than others. Those of us with overly active self esteem assume we’re favored. But we all experience the sting of less-favored status at times.

So I find it encouraging when Paul writes, God does not show favoritism. The Lord carries none of our capriciousness into relationships. He loves us immensely, each one of us. He keeps track whether we’re spicy famous or vanilla bland.

In reality all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We read that God wants no one to perish, but all to come to repentance. Just because God doesn’t pick favorites doesn’t mean he fails to care for each of us as individuals.

We are not ignored—just the opposite. Unbelievably, we weak, mortal creatures have God’s undivided attention. Regardless of who you are or what you’ve done, you inhabit a most favored status.

Galatians 2 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Rob Curran