Does God have favourites? Is the answer Yes? No? Maybe? Who cares? There have been times in my life when I felt God had “His people”. Especially when a testimony is shared of God answering for others the very prayer that has been left unanswered for a while. In those moments, it can feel like God favours some above others.
In the Bible, when we learn how God called some like Abraham, Abel, Moses, and David out of others, it’s easy to conclude that God has favorites. However, growing in my knowledge of God’s nature has taught me this: While God chooses certain people for specific purposes, His arms are open to all, and He is good to all. The good news is that His love is not limited to some of His creation. Nor are His blessings for a certain group of people. Everyone can be God’s favourite. God actually wants us all to be His favourites.
Let’s talk about Hagar, who was mistreated by Abraham and Sarah, “God’s people”. God saw her, heard her cry, and came to her rescue when she needed help. Think about the daughters of Zelophehad, who God made an exception for them and ensured they received their portion because they asked. Think of Nebuchadnezzar, a pagan king, who God humbled and restored before receiving his worship.
Throughout the Bible, we see outsiders, foreigners, and outcasts who sought God or cried out to Him and received mercy and blessing. Ruth, a Moabite, and Rahab, a Canaanite—both foreign women—became part of the lineage of Jesus Christ. The people of Nineveh, though not part of God’s own, had their repentance accepted by God. The Canaanite woman whose faith made Jesus heal her daughter, and Cornelius the Roman centurion, who God chose to host Peter and cause a major shift in Christianity.
God is good and His heart is beyond our understanding. He shines His goodness on the righteous and even on the wicked. So if the only reason to count yourself as not one of “His favorites” is because of unanswered prayers, remember God does not practice favouritism. God loves all His children and welcomes all who call on Him. And He responds to all prayers, though not always as we expect. Even if doubts whisper that we don’t belong or we aren’t favoured, we must remember — God loves everyone. He loves the world so deeply that He will not withhold any good thing, especially from those who have chosen Him through His Son.
