I tend to favor those who want to be favored. It is human nature to have my heart go out toward those whose hearts are after me. As a youth pastor of many years and now as a school teacher, there are students who want my attention and I usually respond with extra attention. Those who want to be favored shall be favored.

If you think, “That’s unfair. Everyone should be treated equally. No one should be favored,” I agree. No one should be favored  based upon their talent, looks, status, grades, etc. That would be showing favoritism. However, favoring those who want to be favored as opposed to those who don’t care for it, is a biblical concept.

“Show us favor, Lord, show us favor,

for we’ve had more than enough contempt.”

Psalm 123:3

This is a prayer in vain if God didn’t show favor. Being shown favor is not so much being treated better than others as it is being treated better than we deserve. So, when the psalmist asks for God’s favor, he is asking that God will treat him better than what he deserves. It is equivalent to asking for God’s mercy.

But what about those who don’t care for God’s favor? Is it fair that God shows them favor as well?

Desire God’s favor. Ask for it. God favors those who want to be favored.

PH