God blessed Isaac and Rebekah with twin sons. As the boys grew, they developed very different interests. Esau became a hunter, a real outdoorsman, and this appealed to Isaac. Jacob worked in the fields closer to home, so he spent much of his time with Rebekah. The partiality of their parents soon became obvious. Esau is even referred to as “his” (Isaac’s) son (Gen. 27:5) and Jacob as “her” (Rebekah’s) son (Gen. 27:6). This partiality became a curse within the family, bringing deception and division.
Partiality has no place in our families. It will hurt, divide, and destroy relationships. As parents, we should follow God’s example: “God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34).
Partiality means “to take sides, show favoritism, show discrimination, treat one person better than another.” God’s love and grace are available for all, without partiality, and we should love our children the same way. As they grow and learn to rest securely in our love, they will learn to rest just as securely in the Father’s love.
