Favor Is Not Fair

Favor Is Not Fair, But It’s Mine: A Biblical Perspective

In life, we often witness circumstances that feel unfair. Why does one person seem to prosper while others struggle? Why do blessings seem to flow toward some who don't appear to deserve them? The phrase, "Favor is not fair, but it’s mine," resonates deeply with many Christians because it acknowledges the divine nature of God’s blessings and grace—given not by human merit but by His sovereign will. This truth is underscored throughout the Bible, revealing God’s grace, the nature of favor, and how the world’s rewards pale compared to eternal life in heaven.

 
1. God’s Favor Is a Sovereign Gift
The Bible clearly states that God’s favor is not earned; it is given according to His will and purpose. Human fairness does not dictate God’s blessings, as seen in these verses:

Exodus 33:19 (NIV): "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."
God’s favor is not something we can demand or manipulate. It’s His to give.
Romans 9:15-16 (NIV): "It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy."
This highlights that blessings are not based on our works but on God’s grace. Favor is a divine act of love and purpose.
Psalm 5:12 (NIV): "Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield."
God’s favor not only blesses but also protects those who walk in His ways.
 
2. Favor May Seem Unfair to the World
The concept of favor can provoke jealousy or confusion because God’s choices often don’t align with human perceptions of fairness.

Genesis 37:3-4 (NIV): "Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons... When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him."
Joseph’s story is a prime example of how favor can attract envy. Despite the hatred he faced, God’s plan for Joseph’s life unfolded in powerful ways.
Luke 15:28-31 (Parable of the Prodigal Son): The elder son felt it was unfair when the father celebrated the return of the prodigal son. Yet the father’s favor reflects God’s grace—a gift undeserved but freely given.

3. The World’s Prosperity Is Not Heaven’s Reward
Sometimes, it seems that those who do wrong are blessed with wealth, power, or success. However, the Bible warns that worldly prosperity is fleeting, and the ultimate reward lies in heaven:

Psalm 73:3-7 (NIV): "For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked... They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong... From their callous hearts comes iniquity."
This passage acknowledges the frustration of seeing the wicked thrive, but their end is destruction.
Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV): "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven."
Earthly success means nothing compared to eternal life in heaven.
Matthew 7:21-23 (NIV): "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."
Even those who appear to have God’s favor—through wealth or outward success—may be far from Him if they do not follow His will.
 
4. The World Belongs to the Evil One
The Bible makes it clear that this world is not heaven. It is a place of trials and temptations, influenced by the evil one:

John 12:31 (NIV): "Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out."
The "prince of this world" refers to Satan, who holds temporary sway over earthly systems.
1 John 5:19 (NIV): "We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one."
The worldly rewards of power, wealth, and fame are often tools of the enemy to distract from God’s eternal purpose.
James 4:4 (NIV): "Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God."
Seeking the world’s favor often leads to spiritual downfall.
 
5. True Favor Is Eternal
While the world’s rewards are temporary, God’s favor is eternal. Heaven, not earth, is the ultimate reward.

John 14:2-3 (NIV): "My Father’s house has many rooms... I am going there to prepare a place for you."
The true inheritance of God’s favor is eternal life with Him.
Revelation 21:4 (NIV): "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
The struggles of this world are temporary compared to the joy of heaven.
 
Living with God’s Favor
Recognize Grace: Understand that God’s favor is not earned but freely given by His mercy.
Avoid Envy: Do not compare your blessings to others; trust in God’s plan for your life.
Focus on Eternity: Remember that the world’s rewards are fleeting, but God’s favor is eternal.
Walk in Faith: Even when life feels unfair, trust in God’s sovereignty and His promise of eternal life.

The Bottom Line

Favor may not seem fair by human standards, but it is a divine gift. God’s blessings often defy worldly logic, and His ways are higher than ours. While the world offers temporary rewards, true favor comes from a life aligned with God’s will, leading to eternal joy in heaven. The next time you reflect on the phrase, "Favor is not fair, but it’s mine," let it remind you of the incredible grace and purpose God has for your life.

Would you like to explore your journey with God’s favor?

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