Finding Favor With God and Man

Proverbs 3:1-4 

The Rewards of Wisdom

My son, do not forget my teaching,

But let your heart keep my commandments;

 

For length of days and years of life

And peace they will add to you.

 

Do not let kindness and truth leave you;

Bind them around your neck,

Write them on the tablet of your heart.

So you will find favor and good repute

In the sight of God and man.

www.biblegateway.com New American Standard Bible (NASB)

   One of our basic human needs is acceptance. Without it, we feel alienated or maybe even rejected. In the Bible, acceptance is often referred to as "favor." For example, when Joseph was sold into slavery, Genesis 39:4 says he "found favor" in the sight of his master Potiphar and was put in charge of the official's entire household. Joseph found acceptance and approval because of his exemplary behavior.

   Whose favor are you longing to receive? Do you desire God's approval? Today's text shows us how we can find favor with both God and man.

   FIRST, WE SHOULD VALUE THE LORD'S TEACHING. God blessed us by giving us HIs Word, but not everyone makes it a priority. We should recognize Scripture as our most valuable earthly possession because it is God's revelation of Himself and His instructions for us.

   SECOND, WE SHOULD MAKE OBEDIENCE TO GOD A MATTER OF THE HEART. Following His commands is about far more than just external rule keeping; it involves not only our actions but our attitudes and thoughts as well.

   THIRD, WE ARE TO LET KINDNESS AND TRUTH CHARACTERIZE OUR LIFE. When we are wholeheartedly living in obedience to God's commands, the effect will spill over into our relationships, as kindness and truth become the guardians of our words and actions.

   Although the Christian faith may evoke a negative response from some, believers shouldn't be discouraged. A life that reflects Christ pleases God. And in bringing light to a dark world, an obedient life will also bring the favor of many in its circle of influence.

Stanley, Charles F. "Finding Favor With God and Man." In Touch: Daily Readings for Devoted Living. February 2018. Atlanta, In Touch Ministries. page 35.

Developing Patience

Colossians 3:12-14

¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³ Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. NIV Bible Gateway.com

    On any given day, we may encounter frustrating people and situations. We may feel like lashing out, but God wants us to stay calm and be patient with everyone (1 Thess. 5:14). And in fact, there are a number of reasons we should devolop patience:
   OUR CALLING. Through once alienated from the Lord, we have been made part of His family through Jesus' shed blood. As God's children, we're called to live a life worthy of Him - one that is characterized by humility, gentleness, and patience (Eph. 4:1-3). 
   BIBLICAL TEACHING. Scripture tells us to be tolerant of one another, bearing each other's burdens and responding with kindness (Gal. 6:1-2).
    JESUS' EXAMPLE. The Lord demonstrated patience toward Peter's impetuous actions, the crowd's demands, and the leaders' false accusations. We are to cultivate an attitude of patience and love towards others.
   HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS. Our impatience can hurt others and close off dialogue. Responding calmly gives room for the other person to confess wrondgoing, explain an attitude, and make changes.
   GOD'S APPROVAL. The apostle Paul wrote that we are to be joyful in hope and patient in affliction (Rom. 12:12). When we quietly endure our suffering, we find favor with the Lord (1 Pet. 2:20).
   The Holy Spirit is conforming us to Christ's image. As we cooperate with Him, He will develop in us the ability to persevere - without becoming agitated - when waiting or provoked. A calm demeanor in times of delay or adversity can be a powerful witness to the transforming work of God.
 Stanley, Charles F. "Developing Patience." In Touch: Daily Readings For Devoted Living August 2016. Atlanta: In Touch Ministries. page 17.