We are favored OF the Lord because we have been favored BY the Lord!! HE lavishes His love upon us, HE provided the way for us, HE draws us into His love and presence, HE, because HE chose to love made a way for us to enter into, and have a place in His eternal home!! That way was the blood of Jesus Christ. That way was the cross! That way was the full and final punishment of sin. The sins of all God's children have been paid for, and they have been removed from our record. In their place, a history of righteousness has been written through the life of the Eternal Son, Jesus Christ. We are the inheritors of HIS work. We are the recipients of great grace, abundant mercy and steadfast, overflowing love!! And what that produces in us is joy, humility and a righteous fear of the Lord God Almighty! It is not because of us that we are so richly blessed. It is because of Him. Beloved, I beseech you by the sure mercies of God that you give praise to the one who saves your soul and do not let arrogance or self-righteousness pollute you. You are ONLY different because God chose to change you. Give Him the praise for what He has done and spread His love abroad in the fervent rejoicing of your devoted lips!!