Favor is something many people seek, but what does it really mean in the biblical sense? The Bible speaks of God’s favor as a gift that comes from walking in His ways. Let’s explore what the Bible says about receiving and living in God’s favor.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About guilt and shame
What Does The Bible Say About favor
Genesis 6:8
“But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.”
This verse reminds us that even in a world filled with wickedness, God can extend His favor to those who remain faithful to Him. Noah’s obedience and righteousness earned him favor with God, leading to his salvation and the preservation of humanity.
Similarly, as Christians, we can experience God’s favor when we align our lives with His will and seek to please Him above all else. His favor can open doors, provide blessings, and bring about supernatural interventions in our lives.
Psalm 5:12
“Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.”
In this verse, we are reminded of God’s desire to bless and protect those who live according to His righteous ways. His favor acts as a shield, guarding us from harm and ensuring that goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our lives.
As we strive to live with integrity and righteousness, we can trust in God’s unfailing favor to go before us and pave the way for success, favor, and blessings in all areas of our lives.
Proverbs 3:3-4
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of cultivating a heart of love and faithfulness. When these qualities become a central part of our lives, they become a source of favor not only in God’s eyes but also in the eyes of those around us.
Living a life characterized by love and faithfulness builds trust, strengthens relationships, and opens doors of opportunity. It positions us for divine favor, where God’s grace and favor shine upon us, causing us to experience success and favor in all our endeavors.
Luke 2:52
“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”
As we see in this verse, even Jesus, the Son of God, experienced favor. His devotion to God and His compassion towards humanity earned Him favor not only with God but also with the people around Him.
Similarly, as followers of Christ, we can cultivate favor by growing in wisdom, character, and our relationship with God. When we seek to emulate the qualities of Jesus, we will find favor with both God and man, allowing us to have an impact on the world around us.
Proverbs 8:35
“For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord.”
Wisdom, personified in this verse, is highly valued and sought after. When we actively pursue wisdom and align our lives with its principles, we position ourselves to receive favor from the Lord.
God’s favor is not limited to material blessings but encompasses every aspect of our lives, including our relationships, decisions, and spiritual growth. By seeking wisdom and embracing it, we open ourselves up to the abundant life and favor that God desires to pour out upon us.
Exodus 33:12-13
“Then Moses said to the Lord, ‘You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’ If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.’
In this passage, Moses speaks directly to the Lord, acknowledging that he has found favor in His sight. Moses recognizes the importance of God’s favor as he seeks guidance and wisdom to lead the people of Israel.
Like Moses, we can humbly approach God and ask for His favor in our lives. By seeking His ways and desiring to know Him more intimately, we position ourselves for His guidance, protection, and supernatural favor in fulfilling the purposes He has for us.
Psalm 30:5
“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
This verse reassures us of God’s enduring favor in the midst of life’s trials and hardships. Although we may face temporary setbacks and moments of sorrow, God’s favor remains constant throughout our lifetime.
Even in the darkest of nights, we can hold onto the hope that joy and rejoicing will come in the morning. God’s favor brings about restoration, healing, and a reason to rejoice, reminding us of His faithfulness and love.
Acts 2:47
“…praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
In this verse, we see the early believers experiencing both God’s favor and favor from the people around them. Their genuine love for one another, devotion to God, and acts of worship won them favor in the eyes of others.
As Christians, when we strive to live lives that reflect the love and grace of Christ, we can also find favor with those around us. This favor opens doors for us to share the gospel and be effective witnesses for the Kingdom of God.
Ruth 2:10
“…Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?”
Ruth, a foreigner, found favor in the eyes of Boaz, which ultimately led to her redemption and a place of honor within the lineage of Jesus Christ.
God’s favor often operates in unexpected ways, reaching beyond cultural boundaries and societal norms. Just as Ruth experienced favor as a foreigner, we too can find favor with God and others, regardless of our background or circumstances.
1 Samuel 2:26
“And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with people.”
Samuel, from a young age, demonstrated a heart that was attentive to the Lord’s voice and obedient to His instructions. As a result, he grew not only in stature but also in favor with God and the people around him.
When we prioritize our relationship with God and live in obedience to His Word, we can experience similar favor. God’s favor can open doors of influence, impact, and growth, allowing us to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Psalm 84:11
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”
God is not only the source of light and protection but also the giver of favor and honor to those who walk blamelessly. This verse assures us that God desires to bless and provide for His faithful children.
When we strive to live in alignment with God’s will, seeking His righteousness and holiness, we position ourselves to receive His favor and experience the abundance of His blessings.
Esther 2:15
“When the turn came for Esther (the young woman Mordecai had adopted, the daughter of his uncle Abihail) to go to the king, she asked for nothing other than what Hegai, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the harem, suggested. And Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her.”
Esther, through her humility, obedience, and willingness to follow the guidance of those in authority, found favor with all who saw her. Her favor ultimately positioned her to become queen and save the Jewish people from destruction.
Similarly, when we exhibit humility, obedience, and respect for those in authority, we can find favor not only with God but also with those around us. This favor can open doors of opportunity and significance, enabling us to fulfill our God-given purpose.
Psalm 90:17
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.”
This verse is a prayer for God’s favor to rest upon us, causing the work of our hands to be established and successful. It acknowledges our dependence on God’s favor to bring fruitfulness and significance to our endeavors.
As we seek God’s favor and align our efforts with His will, our work becomes a partnership with Him. We can trust that He will establish and bless whatever we put our hands to, guiding us towards purposes that bring Him glory and impact the world for good.
Acts 7:9-10
“Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh king of Egypt.”
Despite being sold into slavery and facing numerous trials, Joseph found favor with God and with Pharaoh. God’s favor on Joseph’s life not only led to his redemption but also positioned him to eventually save his family and the entire nation of Egypt from famine.
Joseph’s story reminds us that God’s favor can turn even the most unfavorable situations around. When we remain faithful, trust in God’s sovereignty, and rely on His wisdom, He can use us to bring about miraculous transformations and fulfill His purposes.
2 Chronicles 16:9
“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”
This verse emphasizes that God is actively searching for those whose hearts are fully committed to Him. He takes pleasure in bestowing His favor upon those who steadfastly trust in His unfailing love and faithfully serve Him.
When we wholeheartedly devote ourselves to God, He strengthens and empowers us in ways we could never accomplish on our own. His favor becomes a constant source of grace, guidance, and supernatural provision in our lives.
Psalm 147:11
“The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.”
God takes delight in those who fear Him and put their hope in His unfailing love. When we revere and honor God, acknowledging His sovereignty and majesty, we position ourselves to receive His favor and experience the fullness of His blessings.
As we place our trust and hope in God’s unwavering love, we can confidently embrace His favor in every aspect of our lives, knowing that He delights in showering us with His goodness and grace.
Esther 5:2
“When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.”
Queen Esther, through God’s favor, found acceptance and favor with the king. Her position of influence allowed her to save the Jewish people from annihilation.
God’s favor is not limited by our circumstances or our perceived limitations. When we trust in His sovereignty and step out in faith, He can grant us favor in unexpected places, positioning us to bring about significant change and impact for His kingdom.
Proverbs 16:7
“When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.”
This verse assures us that when our ways are pleasing to the Lord, He can intervene in our relationships, making even our enemies reconcile with us. God’s favor can turn conflict into peace and strife into harmony.
When we choose to walk in righteousness, humility, and love, we demonstrate attributes that reflect the heart of God. In doing so, we invite His favor and experience the transformational power of His grace in our relationships.
Daniel 1:9
“Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel.”
Even in a foreign land and hostile environment, Daniel found favor and compassion from those in authority. It was through God’s working that he experienced such favor, which eventually led to his promotion and influence.
When we place our trust in God and commit our ways to Him, He can orchestrate divine connections and divine favor in the most challenging circumstances. By keeping our hearts aligned with His purposes, we can walk in His favor and be a light in dark places.
Psalm 106:4
“Remember me, Lord, when you show favor to your people, come to my aid when you save them…”
This verse is a plea for God’s favor and rescue. It acknowledges that God’s favor on His people is not limited to individuals but can extend to all who trust in Him.
When we cry out to God for His favor, we can trust that He hears our prayers and will come to our aid. His favor is not only for our personal benefit but also for the advancement of His kingdom and the salvation of others.
Ecclesiastes 9:11
“I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.”
This verse reminds us that favor is not exclusively reserved for the most talented, skilled, or educated. Sometimes, it comes unexpectedly and beyond our own efforts, as God orchestrates circumstances and opportunities for His purposes.
In our pursuit of favor, let us remember that it is ultimately God who determines the outcome. While we should strive to grow in wisdom and develop our skills, our ultimate dependence should be on God’s favor and guidance, trusting that He works all things together for our good.