Issue #1: Playing Favorites
Messy Story of the Week
Mark loves taking his teenage son fishing. They’ve been at it since his boy could hold a rod. Jenna, meanwhile, spends hours in the kitchen baking with their daughter. Neither parent thinks anything of it — after all, they’re just connecting over shared interests.
But lately, family dinners have become tense. The kids snipe at each other, each feeling like the other is “the favorite.” Mark and Jenna find themselves subtly taking their own child’s side when conflicts flare. What started as special bonding moments is now feeding rivalry, resentment, and quiet marital strain.
Faithful God, Then and Now
Isaac and Rebekah faced the same trap. Isaac favored Esau, the skilled hunter; Rebekah preferred Jacob, the homebody (Genesis 25:28). When Isaac prepared to give Esau the family blessing, Rebekah schemed for Jacob to get it instead. The deception worked — but the family paid a heavy price: broken trust, bitter sibling rivalry, and lifelong separation.
God had already promised the outcome (Genesis 25:23), but instead of trusting His way, they took matters into their own hands. Even so, God remained faithful to His plan — a reminder that His purposes stand, but our choices still shape the relational landscape of our homes.
What We Can Learn
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Favoritism isn’t always intentional — but it still wounds.
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Divided loyalties in marriage create division in children.
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God’s ways are trustworthy — even when they seem slow.
Faithful Family Tools
In Faithful Families All-Access, we help couples spot hidden patterns — like subtle favoritism — before they turn into lifelong wounds. Through weekly coaching sessions, practical tools, and a supportive community, you’ll learn how to parent and partner with unity, grace, and purpose.
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Faith Step for the Week
Together, pray:
“Lord, help us see each of our children through Your eyes. Guard us from favoritism and make us one in heart as we lead our home.”
Next Week
“The Danger of Comparison” — a modern retelling of the Cain and Abel story, showing how unchecked jealousy can turn differences into deep divisions — in both sibling relationships and marriage.
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