Do not expect favoritism. In all our praying be fair; do not expect God to show partiality, to love you more than his other children, our friends, neighbors, even enemies. [1] God is no respecter of persons, either spiritual or material. [2]
Every son of God shares the fatherhood of God, and God loves each of his creature sons alike; he is no more a respecter of ascendant destinies than is he of the creatures who may attain such destinies. [3]
Joseph and Mary were sometimes tempted to show some kind of special favoritism for Jesus. But his parents were wise and sagacious. The few times they exhibit any preference for him in any way, even in the slightest degree, Jesus was quick to refuse all such special consideration. [4] Paternalism was one reason for Roman decline. [5]