Authors often write about the many attributes of God: His omniscience and omnipotence, His love and forgiveness. But authors write less about God’s favor. In Greg Gilbert’s book Favor: Finding Life at the Center of God’s Affection, Gilbert explores the favor of God, whether it is earned or unearned, and how Jesus is the winner of God’s favor.

My favorite chapter was “United to Christ, Favored by God,” particularly the section that discusses how Christ is in us and we are in Christ. I also liked the chapter “The Blessings of Contentment,” which delivers this inspiring thought: favor brings contentment. All in all, Favor is an encouraging book, and Gilbert writes with warmth. He shows how God’s favor and His grace may be the same thing.