God’s Favor—What It Really Means
When God created the world, He called it “very good” (Genesis 1:31). Humanity was designed to flourish in a world brimming with abundance—abundance of food (Genesis 1:29), fruitful work (Genesis 2:15), vibrant relationships (Genesis 2:18-25), and, most importantly, unbroken fellowship with God Himself (Genesis 3:8). There was no scarcity, no striving, no sense of earning favor. Everything was a gift flowing from God’s goodness and His delight in His people (Psalm 36:8-9).
This abundance—material, emotional, relational, physical, and spiritual—was never meant to be an end in itself. It was meant to reflect the generous heart of God and the deep intimacy He desired with His creation. In this original design, favor wasn’t a prize to be earned; it was the natural state of relationship between a loving Creator and His beloved children.
But Sin Shattered
That Harmony
In the garden, humanity traded trust in God’s goodness for the lie that they could grasp for more apart from Him (Genesis 3:5-6). The result? Abundance turned to scarcity. Work turned to toil. God’s presence—once a source of delight—became something to hide from (Genesis 3:17-19, 23-24).
It’s crucial to see that the fall didn’t erase God’s desire to bless. Even in their shame, God clothed Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:21). He promised a future Redeemer (Genesis 3:15). But sin brought a world where material abundance was no longer the default state—and where favor could no longer be seen merely in outward blessings.
Because of the curse, toil and pain became part of life (Genesis 3:17-19). In this broken world, even the good gifts of creation—like health, wealth, and fruitful work—can become dangerous when separated from the worship of God (Romans 1:25; James 4:3). Sometimes, in His mercy, God withholds material abundance to protect us from idolatry or spiritual ruin.
Scripture promises that one day, God will fully restore the abundance of Eden (Revelation 21:1-5). Until then, we live in the tension of the “already but not yet” of His Kingdom. We already have every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3), but we don’t yet see the full restoration of creation that’s coming.
So what is favor, biblically speaking?
Favor is an objective reality.
In Christ, every believer has the unchanging favor of God. Ephesians 1:3 says we’ve been blessed “with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” Romans 8:32 affirms that if God gave us Jesus, He’ll graciously give us “all things” we truly need for our good (Philippians 4:19). This favor is rooted in God’s covenant love—hesed in the Old Testament, charis in the New—not in our performance.
Favor is also a relational experience.
Scripture speaks of favor as something we can grow in relationally. Proverbs 3:3-4 says, “Let love and faithfulness never leave you… then you will win favor and a good name.” Luke 2:52 tells us Jesus grew “in favor with God and man.” This relational favor is about intimacy with God—feeling His peace (Philippians 4:6-7), seeing His fingerprints in our lives, and sensing His delight in us as His children (Romans 8:15-16). It’s an experience of His presence that deepens as we walk in trust and obedience (Psalm 37:3-7).
It’s important to be clear: Our obedience doesn’t earn God’s favor—it’s already ours in Christ. But as we align our lives with His ways, we often experience more of His peace and practical blessings. After all, God’s principles in Scripture are not random rules—they flow from His perfect wisdom. He knows how people, families, communities, and even economies flourish best. His commands for generosity, rest, stewardship, and contentment aren’t just good advice—they’re the laws of the universe He designed for our good (Psalm 19:7-11).
God’s favor never leaves,
even when we don’t feel it.
Seasons of material abundance don’t necessarily mean God is more pleased with us. Seasons of material lack don’t necessarily mean His favor has left us. His favor is secure in Christ (John 17:23). It’s the favor of being His child, forever wrapped in His love—even when our circumstances don’t “look” like blessings (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
One day, He will fully restore the abundance of Eden in a new heaven and a new earth. Until then, we’re invited to walk in step with the One who knows everything—trusting not in what we can see, but in the One who sees it all.
