Favor means to be treated with special consideration, honor, and respect. The word blessing means, happy, fortunate, and to be envied. It also means the invoking of Divine favor. Blessing is described as approval, a God-given gift, grace, success, and prosperity.
There is no greater favor than that which God, alone can give. Proverbs 10:22 explains, “The blessing of the Lord, makes me rich and adds no sorrow with it.” It simply means that the blessings of God are always beneficial and have no hidden agenda, no hidden motive, and no manipulation. The perfect example is found in Christ.
Luke 2:52
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.” What an incredible picture of blessing!
Practical Application and Assignments:
The words of Esau crying out, “Bless even me, oh, my father,” are still being echoed today by those searching for blessing and acceptance.
The story is found in Genesis, chapter 27. Esau made a foolish choice and was cheated out of his first-born birthright blessing by his own brother. In contrast, the blessing and favor of God is not about where you are and what you have. It is about who you are who you belong to, and is made available through His covenant to all who believe.
- Know the Blesser. Read Psalm, chapter 103. It describes the heart of your loving heavenly Father who longs to bless you.
- Receive the blessing. The blessing contains five basic parts: a meaningful touch, a spoken message, affirmation of high value, a specific future, and a promise of commitment to fulfill the blessing.
- Bless your world. Declare the blessing of God over your household, neighbors, and communities across the nation and around the world: “The favor of the Lord surrounds you like a shield!!!” Psalm 5:12 “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift His countenance upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
God said, “I will bless those who bless you.” Genesis 12:3