Favor + Able

Yes  I realize the grammar police will be quick to point out, it’s one word, no hyphen or other symbol is necessary but I’m trying to make a point. That’s why on this edition of “Becoming Today” we’ll discuss Favor + Able, to show how the two together become so much more…

Yes is’s another one of those terms that has been on top of my mind lately. Just  “Stuck In My Head”, as it’s been “So Ordered” . Therefore as I attempt to lovingly detach from it’s reminding me it’s there there is a need for me to discuss what Favor is and how t is enabled in our lives.  

Did you know the word “favor” appears 145 times in the Bible. It is mentioned beginning In Genesis and continuing on through Revelations. If it wasn’t important it wouldn’t have been included so many times nor word it have been there from beginning to end. So favor is something we should be able to pay attention to.

Let’s get to work on our shared definition of favor plus able and how they do indeed have a favorable impact on each of our lives.

Favor according to the dictionary is understood as:

noun

1. approval, support, or liking for someone or something.: “the legislation is viewed with favor”.
   synonyms: approval, commendation, esteem, goodwill, kindness, benevolence, friendliness
   
2. an act of kindness beyond what is due or usual.: “I’ve come to ask you a favor”.
   synonyms: good turn, service, kind act, good deed, act of kindness, kindness, courtesy, indulgence, benefit,

When using favor in the active tense it is:

verb

1. feel or show approval or preference for.: “slashing public spending is a policy that few politicians favor”.
   synonyms: advocate, recommend, advise, subscribe to, approve of, look on with favor, be in favor of, support, back, champion, campaign for, stand up for, argue for, press for, lobby for, urge, promote, espouse, endorse, sanction, vouch for, plug, push, preferred, favorite, recommended, chosen, choice, selected, most-liked, ideal, particular, special, pet, blue-eyed
   
2. (often used in polite requests) give someone (something that they want).: “please favor me with an answer”.
   synonyms: oblige, accommodate, gratify, satisfy, humor, indulge, put oneself out for, honor

Comparing the two uses we can already see that when favor is put in action its results are quite rewarding. 

For our purposes let us accept that favor is an act of kindness that honors the recipient, uplifts them, and recognizes them with benevolence and admiration.

If you are favored it is quite “Becoming”. 

Now for “able”:

adjective

1. having the power, skill, means, or opportunity to do something.: “he was able to read Greek at the age of eight” “he would never be able to afford such a big house”.
   synonyms: allowed to, free to, in a position to, capable of, qualified to, competent to, equal to, up to, fit to, prepared to

2. having considerable skill, proficiency, or intelligence. As in  “the dancers were technically very able”.
   synonyms: intelligent, clever, brilliant, talented, skillful, skilled, accomplished, gifted, masterly, virtuoso, expert, proficient, apt, good, adroit, adept, qualified, fit, suited, suitable, capable, competent, efficient, effective, genius

Able gives us the ability. It empowers our actions, boosts our skills. It qualifies us, increases our competency and allows for us to be more than capable.

So when we look at Favor + Able , yes it equals (=)  favorable.

Favorable for the purposes of our shared journey along the path of “Becoming Today”, is the ability to competently be empowered with the skills and resources necessary to recognize, accept and receive blessings that honor, uplifts and inspires us with the benevolence and admiration of a loving Father. 

The Favor of God is always available for us. We must actively choose to seek and not only become rewarded with it, but also to ut it to the best use in sharing for the good of the whole.

So what then are some of the elements of the Favor of our Heavenly Father? 

As I have come to understand favor, I have been able to develop an acronym to allow for an easier study of the concept. So let’s explore it one letter at a time, as F.A.V.O.R.:

F… Freedom

Finding freedom, from burdens, limitations, false beliefs and freeing ourselves to be “Becoming”.

Finding the freedom to renew, rejuvenate and revitalize yourself begins with an understanding of all that being free entails. The search and struggle for freedom  is definitely empowering and a very important step for one and all.

A… Abundance

For many, abundance is first looked upon as having to do with material things. Defined as “a very large quantity of something”, it certainly can be taken that way. However the abundance we’re seeking here has more to do with our spiritual development than a societal concept of always needing to want more, more, more.  

Abundance along our shared journey involves what the Scriptures describe as living an “abundant life”. Referring to our living in an abounding fullness of joy and strength. The two can and do exist simultaneously. Certainly there is a need for silver or gold in our world, otherwise God would have never created them. 

Yes God can choose to favor us with prosperity however as it is written in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

V… Victory

A win, yes. Plus so much more. Victory is an eternal reward. As the chorus of the song “Victory in Jesus” reminds us all:

“Oh victory in Jesus, my Savior forever

He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood

He loved me ‘ere I knew Him and all my love is due Him

He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood”

Viewing victory through the BIble we learn in 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance”.

And victory empowers us to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

Which leads us towards a point of understanding: 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”. By doing so we learn and accept that you and “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me”. That smells like victory to me. 

O…Opportunity 

This involves not only the seeking and finding of situations that present an opportunity for ourselves, but also granting us the opportunity to be loving and benevolent to others. While the worldly definition of opportunity as a favorable time or set of circumstances is generally viewed as seeking material things for one’s self, along or shared path it is also the occasion, the moment, the ability to help increase others.

In Luke 10:25-37, we can read the Parable of the Good Samaritan. There it is taught that there are opportunities to do good in the name of Christ. These possibilities exist  all around us. 

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10).

The remaining question for accepting opportunity is whether or not we will each choose to recognize seeing another in need as an assignment from God?

R… Redemption

Literally redemption means “the action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil”. Becoming redeemed involves accepting our rescue, believing we are being restored and regaining possession of our knowledge that in all things, God will deliver us. 

We are redeemed through His forgiveness and compensated by His Mercy and Grace. To live a life of redemption involves accepting Christ as our Savior for He was “crucified, died and buried”’ so that we might live in and with the Love And Peace of God. 

Freedom, Abundance, Victory, Opportunity and Redemption empowered by “able” – having the means and possibilities to boost our understanding and abilities is certainly a blessing. I pray that as you continue “Becoming Today”, you will receive it and share it, making for each day to become more favor + able for all of us. 

You can always share your thoughts, comments or questions below. Or if you feel the need to communicate in a private confidential way, please reach out on the form on our Contact page. I really do wish the best for each of you who finds these words and seek to be of assistance to you daily.