Is Favoritism A Good Idea???

Gen. 43: 34 - (niv) "When portions were served to them from Joseph's table, Benjamin's portion was five times as much as anyone else's.

     Joseph showed FAVORITISM by sending extra food to his brother Benjamin. In that day and time sending Choice Food to an honored guest was Common Practice in their culture. This was especially true of Favoritism shown by, or to, those in Powerful positions.

     Ja. 2: 1-9 Admonishes us not to show Favotitism. we know that many of Joseph's problems came from the Favoritism that his Father had shown him (ref ch.37). However, the Genesis text does not seem to Focus On The Problem Of Showing Favoritism, but instead upon The Problem Of How We Respond When Favoritism Is Shown.

     Whether or not Joseph and Jacob was out of line showing Favoritism is not the question! The question in these two stories is: HOW DO WE RESPOND TO FAVORITISM? In chapter 43, the Issue is whether they can Stand to have another brother Favored???

     Would they Reject him as they had Joseph? Or COULD THEY RISE ABOVE HURT FEELINGS and REJOICE WITH THOSE WHO REJOICE! (Romans 12:15)?

WHO ARE YOU SHOWING FAVORITISM TOO???

~suptross