Exodus 11:3
The LORD gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Furthermore, the man Moses himself was greatly esteemed in the land of Egypt, both in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants and in the sight of the people.
This is interesting. Some blamed the Israelites for so much grief that had been brought on them. Yet the Egyptians looked on them with favor. This is a God thing. Proverbs 16:7 says, “When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” There is a progression here. When we worry about pleasing God first, then He can take care of making others happy. It doesn’t work when we reverse the order. Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of man brings a snare, But he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted.” It’s not that we walk through life not caring about what people think. We work on being kind and respectful. Romans 12:18 says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” The “depends on you” phrase speaks of our behavior and attitude. There will be some people that won’t like us. The above passages don’t promise that everyone will like or respect us. We will need to wrestle through that discomfort. Being a servant of Christ will be offensive to some. We are presently witnessing our culture push back against some biblical principles. It will only get worse. Some will be persecuted. However, we we have favor with those whom we need it. This doesn’t mean we are to intentionally be obnoxious and blame people’s negative responses on God. We aren’t to stir up drama. 1 Thess 4:11 says, “and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you,” We are to go through life humbly while we try to please The Lord. At times, others will respond with sour attitudes. We can’t worry about that. God will allow us to have favor amonst those whom He wants to us to have favor. Enjoy that, but don’t worry about the sour ones. Lord, thank You for the favor You give. Help us not to worry about the others. Point out any bad behavior or attitudes in us that unnecessarily put others against us.