Tag: #grace

Favor

Favor

Favor

Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” Luke 1:30 ESV

The scripture today represents a pivotal moment of divine reassurance and grace. The angel Gabriel commands fear to leave, validating Mary’s role in God’s plan. It signifies that being chosen is a gift of unmerited grace rather than a reward for righteousness.

“Favour” in Greek is translated as chári, the noun meaning grace, kindness, or a favor done and as a verb it means to favor/support. To have favor means to be regarded with special kindness, preferential treatment, or goodwill, often resulting in unearned advantages, support, or opportunities. It signifies being held in high regard—either by people or by God—leading to blessing and tangible assistance in difficult situations.

Individual Examples of Favor in the Scripture

  • Noah: Found favor in the eyes of the Lord to build the ark and save his family.
  • Joseph: Experienced favor with both God and humans, moving from prison to Prime Minister of Egypt.
  • Moses: Known to speak with God “face to face” and was chosen to lead Israel out of Egypt.
  • Ruth: Found favor with Boaz, allowing her to glean in his fields, which led to her protection and marriage.
  • Esther: Received favor in the sight of King Xerxes, enabling her to save the Jewish people.
  • Daniel: Was given favor and compassion by officials in Babylon, allowing him to thrive in captivity.
  • Mary (Mother of Jesus): Described as “highly favored” by God to bear the Savior.
  • Jesus: Grew in wisdom, stature, and favor with both God and man.

Think about the favor the good lord has given you over the years. If you are like me so many thoughts, come to mind, that nothing but God could have done. Gods favor chases us down wherever we go friends. His scripture is proof. Psalm 23:6 says, “Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Remember friends, we are each other’s keeper and the only time we should be looking down one someone is when we are helping them up.

Hello

Hello

HELLO

“Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ Greet you.” Romans 16:16 NKJV

Hello in the English is the way I greet others, but it’s not the only way to say it.  In Spanish its Hola.  It is Konnichiwa in Japanese. Bonjour in French. Shalom in Hebrew. And Jambo in Swahili. Did you know that greeting can vary depending on familiarity and culture.

There are plenty of physical ways to say hello too.

Handshakes are common in America, Europe, and many parts of Asia and the Middle East. It’s also popular greeting in Ethiopia.

Bowing is a common practice in many parts of the world with Japan often being the most common. Other places are Thailand, Cambodia, and India.

Another greeting is with a kiss. Cheek kissing is widely another widely known way to say hello, particularly among the French. It is a classic way to greet friends.

In Romans 16:16, the apostle Paul issues a directive to greet one another with a holy kiss. This isn’t romance, instead it is loving, holy, and sacred.  This was also a common form of greeting among family and close friends, symbolized love, brotherly love, and fellowship.

All these things point to God himself, who by his grace offered us his hello and loving kindness going back to the beginning of time. How about this as a thought as it relates to the word, HELLO.

“To change a life, you don’t need to do anything grand. Sometimes all you have to do is just say, Hello. And don’t forget to smile.” Amen.

Remember friends, we are each other’s keeper and the only time we should be looking down on someone is when we are helping them up.