What does the Bible say about God's favor?

The concept of God's favor is one that permeates the entirety of the Bible, from the Old Testament to the New Testament. It is a multi-faceted theme that encompasses God's grace, mercy, and blessings bestowed upon individuals and communities. Understanding God's favor requires a deep dive into various scriptures and an exploration of how favor manifests in the lives of biblical characters, as well as its implications for modern believers.

To begin, the term "favor" in the biblical context often translates from the Hebrew word "chen" in the Old Testament, which means grace or kindness. In the New Testament, the Greek word "charis" is commonly used, which also translates to grace. These terms are used to describe the unmerited love and kindness that God shows towards humanity.

One of the earliest mentions of God's favor is found in Genesis 6:8, where it is written, "But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord." This verse sets the stage for understanding favor as something that can be found or received from God. Noah's favor was not due to his own merit but was a result of God's grace. This favor led to Noah's salvation from the flood, illustrating that God's favor often results in protection and deliverance.

The story of Joseph in Genesis also provides a profound example of God's favor. Despite being sold into slavery and facing numerous adversities, Joseph continually found favor in the eyes of those around him because God was with him. Genesis 39:21 states, "The Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden." Joseph's life exemplifies how God's favor can lead to success and influence, even in the most challenging circumstances.

In the New Testament, the concept of favor is closely linked with the coming of Jesus Christ. Luke 1:30 records the angel Gabriel's words to Mary: "Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God." Mary's favor resulted in her being chosen to bear the Savior of the world, highlighting that God's favor can lead to being chosen for a significant purpose. Furthermore, Jesus Himself grew in favor with God and men, as stated in Luke 2:52: "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man."

One of the most comprehensive teachings on God's favor is found in the book of Psalms. Psalm 5:12 declares, "Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield." This verse emphasizes that God's favor acts as a protective barrier, offering security and blessing to the righteous. Psalm 84:11 further elaborates, "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." Here, favor is associated with honor and the provision of good things, suggesting that living a life in accordance with God's will attracts His favor.

The New Testament expands on the idea of favor through the teachings of the apostles. Paul, in his epistles, frequently speaks of grace (charis) as God's favor. For instance, Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage underscores that favor, or grace, is a gift from God, not something earned by human effort. It is through this grace that believers are saved and brought into a relationship with God.

The book of Acts provides a narrative of how God's favor operated in the early church. Acts 2:47 describes the early Christians as "praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." This communal favor resulted in growth and unity within the early church, demonstrating that God's favor can also manifest in corporate settings, leading to collective blessings and expansion.

While God's favor is indeed a blessing, it is also important to note that it does not exempt one from trials and tribulations. The apostle Paul, despite experiencing immense favor, also faced significant hardships, including imprisonment, beatings, and persecution. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul recounts God's words to him: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." This indicates that God's favor includes His sustaining grace during difficult times, providing strength and perseverance.

In contemporary Christian literature, the theme of God's favor is extensively explored. One notable work is "The Favor of God" by Jerry Savelle, which delves into the biblical foundations of favor and how believers can experience it in their lives. Savelle emphasizes that understanding and walking in God's favor requires faith, obedience, and a relationship with God.

Another significant contribution is Joel Osteen's "Your Best Life Now," where he discusses the principles of living in God's favor. Osteen encourages believers to expect God's favor, speak words of faith, and live with a mindset of abundance. While some may critique this approach as overly prosperity-focused, it nonetheless highlights the belief that God's favor is accessible and can lead to a fulfilling life.

To encapsulate, the Bible presents God's favor as an expression of His grace, kindness, and blessing towards humanity. It is not something that can be earned but is a gift from God, often resulting in protection, success, and fulfillment of divine purpose. Biblical characters like Noah, Joseph, Mary, and Paul exemplify how God's favor operates in various contexts, both in times of blessing and adversity.

For modern believers, understanding God's favor involves recognizing it as part of God's grace, living in obedience to His will, and maintaining faith even in challenging circumstances. As the psalmist declares in 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 encapsulates the enduring nature of God's favor, offering hope and assurance that His grace and kindness are ever-present in the lives of those who seek Him.