" Although we can’t earn God’s favor, Scripture does talk about pleasing God. In 2 Corinthians 5:9 Paul says that his aim is “to be pleasing to Him” (cf. 1 Thess 2:4), and he tells believers to have the same purpose (1 Thess 4:1). "

― David Platt , Exalting Jesus in Galatians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary)