How to obtain God’s favor

How can we achieve God’s favor? The best way is by being obedient to His commands, because if we are disobedient and do not do His will, then we will be far from being able to get His favor. God’s favor is not something mysterious or unreachable; rather, it is the natural result of walking in His paths, submitting to His authority, and seeking to honor Him in everything we do. When we walk in righteousness, we place ourselves under the umbrella of His blessing.

Do not think that this will be like an exchange—as if we could bargain with God by saying, “You give me Your favor and I will give You something in return.” No. God acts as He wants and when He wants. His blessings are not rewards that we force out of His hand. He is sovereign, and He gives according to His grace and purpose. For God to do something or give you something, it does not have to be through an exchange or a negotiation. Instead, He looks at the heart: a humble, obedient, teachable heart is precious before Him.

Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

Proverbs 12:1

Before all adversities, we cannot be ignorant. When we face trouble, we cannot act without wisdom or rely only on our emotions. Instead, we must seek God’s instruction and obey His Word. Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, and part of that fear is learning to listen, to receive counsel, and to accept correction. If we obey His instruction, then we are acting with wisdom, and this wisdom opens the door for God’s favor to rest upon our lives.

When we are corrected for something we are doing wrong, we must remember that godly correction is for our own good. Correction is not punishment; it is protection. It is the best way to keep us from serious mistakes that could damage our lives spiritually, emotionally, or even physically. But many times, when someone corrects us, we do not accept it; instead, we insist on doing things our own way. This is one of the biggest mistakes a human being can make. The Bible warns us not to be wise in our own eyes. True growth begins when we humble ourselves and learn to listen.

A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

Proverbs 12:2

A man who accepts correction is prudent, because he understands that if he acts only by his own opinion, he will not gain anything. Instead, he risks losing God’s favor in his life, because the Lord delights in obedience, humility, and integrity. Many people say they cannot obtain God’s favor, yet they refuse to walk in righteousness. How can someone receive God’s blessing if he ignores God’s commands? It is impossible. God’s favor is not random; it is tied to a life aligned with His will.

Many desire God’s blessing but do not want God’s guidance. They want favor, but they do not want transformation. However, God sees the intentions of the heart, and He blesses those who sincerely seek to please Him. He who delights in wickedness, who plans evil, who lives without regard for God’s ways, cannot expect God’s favor, for Scripture says God will condemn the one whose thoughts are bent toward evil. But the one who has good thoughts—those aligned with truth and righteousness—will enjoy His favor.

A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

Proverbs 12:3

A person who is not firm in the ways of the Almighty God, who constantly practices ungodliness, will eventually be swept away by the current of evil. Wickedness cannot establish anyone; it is unstable ground that leads to destruction. But the one who practices justice, whose life is rooted in obedience and fear of the Lord, will stand firm. His roots will never be moved because the favor and mercy of God sustain him day after day.

Therefore, let us walk in obedience, humility, and wisdom, for in doing so we position ourselves under the abundant favor of God. His blessings are for those who walk uprightly, and His favor rests upon those whose hearts are surrendered to Him.