Consequences for the “favorite”:
Becomes selfish and self-centered, “bratty,” smug, “spoiled,” arrogant, insolent, a tattle-tale, a tale bearer.

This is a description of Joseph as a teen-ager.  He was his father’s favorite son out of twelve sons.  He received a special gift of a many-colored coat from his father; his eleven brothers received no special recognition with gifts.  He tattled on his brothers to his father… and the brothers knew it.  (Genesis 37:1-4)

Consequences for those not who are not a “favorite”:
Resentment, active dislike and hatred.  These feelings of Joseph’s brothers were directed toward the “favorite” son.  They became hostile to the point of planning to take the “favorite’s” life.
(Genesis 37:19-20)

In a family, a business or church situation, the parents, or a boss or Pastor/Priest have people trying to out-do one another in getting attention when the leaders have “favorites.”

Resentment produced by active favoritism or having an arrogant attitude of the “favorite” causes divisions everywhere.

This should never, never happen in a church or a family or a business where Jesus Christ is Savior and Lord.

Questions you and I need to ask:
Do I have a known favorite among other people and show it by my attitude, actions and words?
Or – Am I a “favorite” and am I obnoxious?

There are always consequences for showing or having “favorites.”

How are we to “handle” favoritism?

There are many passages of Scripture to which we could turn…
(NASB) Colossians 3:12-14 “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;
13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.”

~ Take it to heart ~

There are always Consequences of Favoritism.
God is not partial, He has no “favorites.”
And we are not to  “play favorites” either.

(NASB) Colossians 3:17 “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”