Though Christ was chosen before the foundations of the Earth to be offered up, God found great pleasure in Abraham who like God, was also willing to offer up his son whom he loved! Thereby finding favor in the eyes of the Lord, and choosing his seed to reveal Himself thru! TR Given my miraculous birth, I have always known the Lord’s favor even while in my mother’s womb! Why?! I couldn’t say!!! TR (My post above is from Got Questions; not my own teaching.) Anytime we seek the Lord, and more of God "for Himself," to know Him deeply, is to honor Him, which pleases Him. The more we bond with Him in knowing Him, He has pleasure in seeing. But it doesn't mean those who draw closer to Him than others, are His favorites, because His own Word says differently. A word picture might be - when a child draws closer to the parents than other siblings, because they love them deeply, desire to please them, genuinely enjoy them, want to learn from them - that kind of desire to bond stands out to the parents. They notice, they are grateful, embracing of that deep love expressed for them. And yet they have un-conditional love also for the other siblings. All of us must have at least one if not more experiences with someone who has connected with us in a way that no one else has. You notice, you're appreciative, you're touched, even amazed! Their intense love and desire to be with you can't be denied and it gives joy. You feel honored and blessed - but you still love others also. Whoever does what it takes to come closer to God, He notices. He has pleasure in, He draws near as we draw near to Him. There can be as close a connection as we desire with Him that He loves - and at the same time He loves everyone. There are these scriptures for a right balance: For there is no partiality with God. Ro 2 Then Peter said: I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him. Acts 10 We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. Jn 9 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, Who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe. Deut 10 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Gal 3. So that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Matt 5 And if you call on the Father, Who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your sojourning here in fear... ...(the fear of God, and which springs from the grace of God - not of men nor of devils, nor of death and judgment, hell and eternal damnation; for such a fear is not consistent with the love of God shed abroad)... https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/1-peter-1-17.html 
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