Seeing God's Unpartial Love: A Discussion on Favoritism

Sometimes, when we're studying the scriptures, or even just reading history, the narratives seem to point in one direction. We see the 'movers and shakers'—the kings, the prophets, the foundational figures—and it's easy to let our minds wander toward the idea that God's spotlight shines brightest on certain people, or perhaps even certain genders. It’s a natural human inclination to look for patterns of favor.

But as returned missionaries, and as disciples learning to live by the Spirit, we know better. We know that the gospel message itself is a message of boundless, unmerited grace. We are called to be Internet missionaries, and that means we must be equipped to answer the hardest questions with humility, scriptural depth, and the gentle power of the Spirit.

The Spirit Over the Narrative

Recently, we were blessed to tune into a powerful Q&A session with Pastor David Guzik, where a profound question was raised: Does God favor men over women? It’s a question that touches on deep theological waters, and it’s one that requires us to look past the surface narrative of any single book.

What struck me most, and what I wanted to share with you all, was the principle of perspective. The speaker gently reminded us that while the Bible *does* focus heavily on consequential figures—the rulers and prophets, who were predominantly men—that focus is a function of *history writing*, not a declaration of God's actual preference. The scriptures are telling us the most impactful stories, but that doesn't mean they are telling us the *whole* story of God's care.

Think about it: the scriptures are zealous to point out God's care for the orphan, the widow, the foreigner, and the oppressed. These are the people who often *aren't* the "movers and shakers." This echoes what Peter taught in Acts 10:34—that God shows no partiality.

A Disciple's Approach to Difficult Questions

This is a vital skill for every disciple, whether you are in your first mission discussion or you’ve been serving for years. When faced with a challenging question, the goal isn't to win an argument, but to point the investigator back to the boundless, consistent nature of the Atonement and the Savior’s love. We must be Christlike in our answers.

If you are currently in the process of missionary preparation, or if you're just trying to deepen your own understanding of doctrine, I highly recommend revisiting the concept of grace. It’s so central to our understanding of the gospel. If you haven't already, check out David Guzik’s work, *Standing in Grace*, which was mentioned in the stream.

For those of us who are already seasoned in the field, remember that our strength doesn't come from having the perfect answer, but from trusting the Spirit as we prepare it. If you're struggling with how to best approach a complex doctrinal question, I encourage you to bring it to Davee. He’s trained in the AI Investigator role and can walk you through potential objections an investigator might raise, helping you sharpen your response before you ever step into the field.

Keep the Learning Going

The work is always progressing, and our learning must keep pace. If you are looking to deepen your doctrinal knowledge outside of a formal setting, consider joining a Book Club or a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. It’s a wonderful way to learn alongside other disciples.

For those who are ready to dive deeper into the scriptures and test your understanding, I’ve got a recommendation for you. If you are studying the Book of Mormon or the Bible, take some time to explore the social scripture study layer inside LivingBook. Highlighting verses and seeing the related panel insights can really bring the text to life.

What are your thoughts? Have you encountered questions that made you pause and reflect on God's universal love? Share your insights below, and let’s keep lifting each other up in our discipleship!

Remember, every member can be an Internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time.