Definition and Nature of God's Favor

God's favor, often synonymous with grace, is a divine kindness or an act of true compassion on the part of God toward undeserving human beings. It is an expression of God's love and mercy, bestowed upon individuals not because of their merit but because of His sovereign will and purpose. The favor of God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, illustrating His benevolence and the blessings that flow from His hand.

Biblical Instances of God's Favor

1. Noah: One of the earliest mentions of God's favor is found in Genesis 6:8, "But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD." Noah's righteousness and obedience amidst a corrupt generation led to God's favor, resulting in his and his family's salvation from the flood.

2. Moses: In Exodus 33:17, God tells Moses, "I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor in My sight, and I know you by name." Moses' intimate relationship with God and his role as a leader of the Israelites were marked by divine favor, enabling him to lead the people out of Egypt.

3. Mary, the Mother of Jesus: In Luke 1:30, the angel Gabriel tells Mary, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God." Mary's selection as the mother of the Messiah is a profound example of God's favor, highlighting His sovereign choice and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan.

Characteristics of God's Favor

· Unmerited: God's favor is not earned by human effort or righteousness. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This underscores the unmerited nature of divine favor.

· Purposeful: God's favor often aligns with His divine purposes. In the case of Esther, who found favor in the eyes of King Xerxes (Esther 2:17), it was instrumental in the preservation of the Jewish people. God's favor equips and positions individuals to fulfill His plans.

· Transformative: Experiencing God's favor can lead to transformation and empowerment. In Acts 4:33, the apostles, filled with the Holy Spirit, "continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus with great power, and abundant grace was upon them all." God's favor enabled them to spread the Gospel with boldness and effectiveness.

Seeking and Responding to God's Favor

While God's favor is unmerited, Scripture encourages believers to live in a manner that aligns with His will, thereby positioning themselves to receive His blessings. Proverbs 3:3-4 advises, "Let loving devotion and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man."

Believers are called to respond to God's favor with gratitude, humility, and obedience. In 1 Peter 5:5, it is written, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." A humble heart is receptive to God's favor and acknowledges His sovereignty in all things.

Conclusion

Understanding God's favor involves recognizing it as an expression of His grace, bestowed according to His will and purpose. It is a gift that transforms lives, aligns with divine purposes, and calls for a response of humility and obedience. Through biblical examples and teachings, believers are encouraged to seek and cherish the favor of God, living lives that reflect His love and righteousness.