Favor

In the biblical context, "favor" often refers to the grace, kindness, or goodwill that God or individuals bestow upon others. It is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, signifying divine approval and blessing. The Hebrew word for favor, "chen," and the Greek word "charis" are frequently used to describe this concept.

Divine Favor: God's favor is depicted as a source of protection, provision, and guidance. In Genesis 6:8, Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord, which led to his preservation from the flood. Similarly, in Exodus 33:17, God tells Moses, "I will do the very thing you have asked, for you have found favor in My sight, and I know you by name" . This favor is not earned by human merit but is a result of God's sovereign choice and grace.

Human Favor: Favor can also be seen in human relationships, where individuals find favor in the eyes of others. For example, Esther found favor in the sight of King Ahasuerus, which led to the deliverance of the Jewish people (Esther 2:17). 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" .

Favor and Righteousness: The Bible often links favor with righteousness and obedience. Psalm 5:12 states, "For surely You, O LORD, bless the righteous; You surround them with the shield of Your favor" . This suggests that living a life in accordance with God's will attracts His favor.

Obedience

Obedience in the Bible is the act of following God's commands and living according to His will. It is a fundamental aspect of faith and a demonstration of love and reverence for God.

Obedience to God: The Scriptures emphasize the importance of obedience as a response to God's authority and love. In Deuteronomy 11:1, the Israelites are commanded, "You shall therefore love the LORD your God and always keep His charge, His statutes, His ordinances, and His commandments" . Obedience is portrayed as a pathway to blessing and life, as seen in Deuteronomy 28, where blessings are promised for obedience and curses for disobedience.

Obedience and Faith: Obedience is closely tied to faith. Hebrews 11, known as the "faith chapter," highlights the obedience of figures like Abraham, who "obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going" (Hebrews 11:8). This demonstrates that true faith is active and results in obedience to God's directives.

Obedience and Love: Jesus taught that obedience is an expression of love for Him. In John 14:15, He states, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" . This connection between love and obedience underscores the relational aspect of following God's commands.

Obedience and Sacrifice: The Bible also teaches that obedience is more desirable to God than ritual sacrifice. In 1 Samuel 15:22, Samuel tells King Saul, "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams" . This highlights the priority of a heart aligned with God's will over mere external religious practices.

Favor and Obedience Together

The interplay between favor and obedience is evident throughout Scripture. While God's favor is a gift of grace, obedience is the appropriate response to that grace. The life of Mary, the mother of Jesus, exemplifies this relationship. She found favor with God (Luke 1:30) and responded with obedience, saying, "I am the Lord’s servant. May it happen to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). This illustrates how favor and obedience work in harmony to fulfill God's purposes.