Favor and favoritism

[tonychanyt]

Genesis 18:

3 He said, "If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by.

Strong's Hebrew 2580: Graciousness

What is a favor?

It is divine grace that God bestows on certain humble persons.

Proverbs 3:

34 Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor.

Genesis 6:

8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.

Similarly, In the Greek language, we see in 2 Corinthians 1:

11 as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

Thayer's Greek Lexicon:

STRONGS NT 5486: χάρισμα
χάρισμα, χαρίσματος, τό (χαρίζομαι), a gift of grace; a favor which one receives without any merit of his own;

Both the Hebrew and Greek words for "favor" have their roots in the concept of grace.

On the other hand, what is favoritism?

Acts 10:

34 Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism

Strong's Greek 4381: One who shows partiality. From prosopon and lambano; an accepter of a face, i.e., one exhibiting partiality.

Favoritism is partiality. Similarly, in the OT, Deuteronomy 1:

17 Show no partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be intimidated by anyone, for judgment belongs to God.

Does God show divine grace (favor) to some?

Yes.

Does God show judgemental partiality (favoritism) to anyone?

Never.