By Pastor Naomi Mitchell
For Carter County Times
The dictionary definition of favor is approval, support, or liking for someone or something. It is an act of kindness beyond what is due or usual.
Do you know the word “favor” is mentioned over 70 times in the Bible? The Biblical definition of favor means divine approval, goodwill, and special regard from God, often described as unmerited grace, leading to blessing, protection, and preferential treatment in life, seen as a relationship-based gift rather than something earned by merit. It signifies God’s pleasure in someone, granting them advantage and enabling them for His purposes, seen in people like Noah, Joseph, and Mary.
Favor is found in a close relationship with God, often by honoring Him, seeking His wisdom and living humbly. Noah found favor (Genesis 6:8), Joseph found favor with the warden (Genesis 39:21), and Mary found favor to bear Jesus (Luke 1:30).
According to the scriptures, God gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Finding wisdom brings favor from the Lord (Proverbs 8:35). We can find favor by approaching God’s throne for grace in time of needing help (Hebrews 4:16). When we obey God and honor Him with our life, our time, and resources, the favor of the Lord will rest upon us. We can attract the favor of the Lord when we faithfully manage the assignments God gives to us.
To put it simply “favor” is the grace of God in our lives. Again, the definition of “grace” is the unmerited favor of God, and that favor means acceptance, goodwill, and preferential treatment. We can’t earn favor. Favor will only come through a close relationship with God. Favor is an act of kindness from God. His mercies endure forever and His loving kindnesses are “new” every morning! Favor is God stepping into our situation to make a worthwhile difference.
So, how does God give us favor? God’s favor is His grace, given to His children free through His Son Jesus Christ. The ultimate act of God’s favor is when we receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, receiving the gift of salvation that was provided to us at Calvary.
God’s favor has taken care of everything you will ever need through Jesus Christ when he gave His life on the cross, for your spirit, soul and body. Every part of your life is impacted by the grace and favor of God. This doesn’t just mean you are going to Heaven. It means you are delivered, protected, preserved, healed and made whole. Let that sink in!
Amen! So be it!
JOYFUL House of Prayer, 2519 Quicksand Road, (P.O. Box 856), Jackson, Kentucky 41339. Send Comments/Prayer Requests: Pastornaomi4god@gmail.com. FB: JoyfulHoprayer. Services: 10am Sunday and Joyful Kids Class at 10:30am, 6:30pm Thursdays. Radio Broadcast: WJSN 97.3 FM & WEKG 81.0 AM Sundays 1-2pm.
