FAVOR

Biblical Perspective on Favor

What Is God’s Favor?
Biblically, favor is the demonstrated delight of God toward someone. It’s His grace, kindness, and goodwill freely given—not earned. Favor opens doors, grants influence, and brings supernatural peace, provision, and protection.

Psalm 5:12 (NLT) – “For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love.”

Favor in the Lives of God's People

  • Noah found favor because of his righteousness (Genesis 6:8).

  • Joseph experienced favor even in prison and rose to power (Genesis 39:21).

  • Esther received favor with the king and saved her people (Esther 2:15-17).

  • Mary, the mother of Jesus, was called “highly favored” (Luke 1:28).

  • Jesus Himself grew “in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52).

How Does One Walk in God’s Favor?

While favor is a gift, scripture shows that a heart aligned with God often attracts His favor:

  • Humility – Proverbs 3:34

  • Obedience – Deuteronomy 28:1-6

  • Faithfulness – Proverbs 3:3-4

  • Trust in the Lord – Psalm 84:11

Proverbs 3:3-4 (NLT) – “Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people.”

God’s Heart on Favor

God’s favor is a reflection of His grace, love, and delight in His children. It’s not something we earn, but something He freely gives, especially to those who walk in relationship with Him. His favor opens doors, brings protection, provides wisdom, and leads to opportunities that go beyond human effort.

God longs to bless His children—not for selfish gain, but so we can become vessels of blessing to others. His favor empowers us to fulfill our purpose and reflect His glory.

Psalm 90:17 (NLT) – “And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful!”

Key Truths About God’s Favor

  1. Favor is rooted in relationship, not performance.
    God's favor often follows those who seek His heart more than His hand. (Psalm 5:12)

  2. Favor equips you for your purpose.
    God’s favor prepares and positions you to fulfill your assignment. (Genesis 39:21 – Joseph in prison)

  3. Favor doesn't mean life will be easy, but it does mean God is with you.
    Even in challenges, His favor is present to sustain you. (Daniel 1:9, Acts 2:47)

  4. God gives favor for His glory, not personal gain.
    It’s meant to be stewarded with humility, generosity, and purpose.

  5. Jesus is the ultimate picture of God’s favor.
    “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:52)

Key Scriptures on Favor

  • Psalm 5:12 (NLT) – “For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love.”

  • Proverbs 3:3–4 (NLT) – “Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.”

  • Genesis 6:8 – “But Noah found favor with the Lord.”

  • Exodus 33:17 (NLT) – “I will indeed do what you have asked, for you have found favor with me, and you are my friend.”

  • Esther 2:17 – “And the king loved Esther... and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins.”

DISCLAIMER NOTICE: The information contained in this resource is general in nature and is not intended to provide or be a substitute for advice, consultation or treatment with a duly licensed mental health practitioner or other medical professional. This resource is intended to provide practical faith-based guidelines for balanced living and is not a replacement for medical advice. Professional services should be pursued whenever necessary and/or appropriate. By utilizing this resource, individuals acknowledge that Men of Faith is not providing direct clinically-oriented mental health treatment or therapy, and that it does not create a therapeutic relationship between any individual and Men of Faith.  Individuals who use this resource also agree to indemnify and hold harmless, Men of Faith, its licensees, affiliates, and assigns, as well as the officers, agents, and employees of Men of Faith and its licensees, affiliates, and assigns, from and against any and all liability, loss, damages, costs, charges, legal fees, recoveries, judgments, penalties, and expenses, which may be obtained against, imposed upon or suffered by Men of Faith. Additionally, certain views and opinions expressed in this resource may be those from sources other than Men of Faith and do not necessarily represent the views of Men of Faith, nor imply an endorsement by Men of Faith. All rights are reserved worldwide and no part of this resource may be reproduced in any form (print or electronic) without the expressed written permission of Men of Faith.