stronghold: a pattern of thought and behavior that defies the principles of God’s word and opens our lives to the control of sin and Satan

generational sin: when a single moral failure becomes a spiritual stronghold and eventually a predictable pattern of moral failure across multiple generations

favoritism: the practice of giving unfair preferential treatment to one person at the expense of another

Outcomes of Favoritism

1. Value becomes associated with distinguishing markers.

Outcomes of Favoritism

2. Parental love is communicated as conditional.

Outcomes of Favoritism

3. Unhealthy competition for the affection of their parents is created among siblings.

Outcomes of Favoritism

4. A family economy of bitterness and envy is built.

How to Address the Mess:
1. Acknowledge that favoritism is not the heart of God.
2. Confess it to God, your spouse, and your children.
3. Commit to equitable treatment.
4. Personally own any setbacks.
5. Commit to helping your children break the cycle.

DISCUSSION GUIDE

Use these questions to reflect on this week's message as a family or group.

1. If you had siblings growing up, did you ever think one of you was the favorite or least favorite of a parent or grandparent? How did this affect your family?

2. How does a stronghold grow into a generational sin?

3. In Genesis 25:23, what is so unique about Rebekah having two nations in her womb?

4. Describe the favoritism between parents Isaac and Rebekah and their twins Jacob and Esau. What can we learn from the relational description that we see in Genesis 25:27-28?

5. How is favoritism generally expressed in a family?

6. Read James 2:1,9. What guidance does James give us when it comes to favoritism?

7. Bringing peace to a family or relationship is the key when we address the mess. How can we apply the words that we read in James 3:17?