The Economics of Abundance Devotion

Favoritism arises from scarcity thinking: there is only so much attention, approval, and belonging to distribute, so we hoard it for those closest to us or most useful to us. Rabia, living in poverty, embodied a radical economics of abundance—a love so vast it needed no rationing. This concept explores how communities operating from scarcity create rigid hierarchies and in-groups. The parent who favors one child believes love is finite; the organization that favors executives over frontline workers assumes influence is scarce. Rabia's theology inverts this: love multiplies through sharing, belonging deepens through inclusion. The cost of favoritism becomes visible through this lens: it impoverishes rather than enriches. Communities organized by favoritism exhaust themselves policing boundaries and managing resentment. Those relegated to outsider status become passive or resentful. By shifting to an abundance mindset—viewing belonging, recognition, and care as inexhaustible—we unlock collective energy. Rabia's legacy teaches that the more we give without preference, the more resilient and joyful our communities become.