Favor is a bestowed virtue from a superior to an inferior. It is unmerited and though not earned, it can be conferred as a result of a leader recognizing the accomplishments of a follower.
Sometimes the process for its conveyance is not apparent. Employees will do almost anything when attempting to gain it. Children will wax, “sweet” in the demeanor to curry it from parents. Yet favor is not a wage to be warranted, a promotion to be rewarded or a debt to be paid. It is a gift from a benefactor which intentionally parades his pleasure.
Favor may feel illusive, but there are some circumstances which allow it to come out of hiding. God says in 1Pet 2:20 “…if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.”
When one suffers through injustice, the Father recognizes the intentional identification with Christ’ pain and allows the favor He has already bestowed to come out of hiding and manifest itself. So, suffer right and suffer well…