As a preacher of the gospel, I understand that we should show no favoritism because Scripture speaks against it (James 2:1, Rom. 2:11). I still struggle with the context of these numerous biblical warnings: does this just mean among people? Food? Or even sermon topics? However, when it comes to heart-touching interactions within the Bible’s narrative, some, to me anyway, seem to stand out above others. In fairness, and because we show partiality (thank God for Jesus’s forgiveness), these may vary from person to person.

1. Joseph’s Forgiveness of His Brothers (Gen. 45:1-15)

Without going into the history and theology of this book of Genesis scene, each time I read this, I marvel at how Joseph found the strength to forgive his blood brothers who sold him into slavery. Most of us still struggle with family members for violating our trust in lesser ways, which adds to the power of Joseph’s forgiveness. When he hugged them, blessed them, and then brought his entire family down to Egypt to enjoy the power bestowed upon him by Pharaoh and its benefits, it demonstrates the heart-felt lengths we should all go to in forgiving others. Admittedly, I am just not there yet! Using this as a sermon topic, even an entire series of lessons, is sure to evoke both self-examination within the congregation and conviction for those who have come up short—count me among the latter.

Possible sermon topic: Can the Weight Be Lifted?

2. The Near Killing of Young Isaac (Gen. 22:9-14)

The near killing of young Isaac is one of the most heartfelt scenes in the entire biblical narrative. Abraham and Sarah had waited decades for the Lord to provide a true heir, and suddenly the specter of it being taken away was unimaginable. God commands Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac, testing his obedience. With a heavy heart yet unwavering trust in God, Abraham prepares to carry out the command, even binding Isaac and raising the knife. At the last moment, an angel stops him, and God provides a ram as a substitute offering. This poignant moment reveals Abraham’s deep faith and trust in God, while also showcasing God’s provision and mercy, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of His own Son for humanity.

Possible sermon topic: When God Demands the Biggest Blessing of Your Life

3. Naomi’s Name Change (Ruth 1:1-21)

Who can forget the utter devastation that occurred in the family of Naomi while she lived in Moab? This Jewish woman lost her husband, two sons, and was left with two daughters-in-law. In those days, unlike in the Western world today, there were no widow’s funds, SSI, SSDI, or old-age pensions! Although the people of God were supposed to care for the destitute, this did not always happen, as evidenced by God’s frequent rebukes of religious leaders (Isa. 1:23, Jer. 7:5-7). On the way back from Moab to Bethlehem, one of her daughters-in-law, Ruth, refused to leave her and go back home. When Naomi arrived in Bethlehem, she was so distraught that she changed her name from Naomi to Mara, explaining, “The Lord sent me out full, but I have returned empty.” This powerful story contains countless teaching points, so check it out.

Possible sermon topic: Lord, Why Pour Me Out Like This?

4. John and Mary Watching Jesus Die (John 19:25-30)

The night prior to Jesus’s execution on the cross, John was one of the disciples who scattered and left Jesus alone. Unlike the others, however, John showed back up! Yet the heartfelt story of him and Mary, the mother of Jesus, watching this man they both loved dying a horrible death is among the most heart-rending stories in the entire biblical narrative. This story highlights the pain and disappointment of seemingly losing a friend, leader, and son. Watching someone you love more than anything die is one of the most painful things to endure in the human condition. With a hyper-focus on John, Mary, and Jesus’s interaction during this time, as well as their forced observation of how others treated Him while dying, this story has multiple layers and could even stretch into a six-week sermon series.

Possible sermon topic: When It All Goes Wrong

5. Paul’s Emotional Goodbye at Miletus (Acts 20:36-38)

Although only two verses, this is among the most powerful partings of fellow believers and friends anywhere in the New Testament. Personally, I would package these few verses with Paul’s goodbye to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:6-8 and provide a grand overview of both the emotion and power of saying goodbye to those we love. Any moment, in the most literal sense, life can come to an end without any of us being afforded the opportunity to say farewell to loved ones as Paul was able to. Preaching a heartfelt sermon on making every moment the Lord affords us matter to those we love is sure to encourage the hearer and spur them to action.

Possible sermon topic: Don’t Leave Without Saying “It”

As I reflect on these profound and heart-touching stories from the Bible, I’m reminded of the depth of human emotion woven into God’s Word. Each of these narratives challenges us to grow, forgive, and trust the Lord in ways that don’t come naturally to us. We all fall short, yet we are blessed by the opportunity to learn from these stories and be transformed by them. Let us continue to read, study, and meditate on these accounts, allowing them to mold our hearts and our sermons. If these topics resonate with you as much as they do with me, let’s not keep them to ourselves—may we share these truths boldly and lovingly with those around us.