Speak to the Israelites, that they take for Me an offering. From every man who gives it willingly and ungrudgingly with his heart you shall take My offering.
These principles are biblical and eternal. When we align our lives with them, God's blessing follows.
We could well say that we gain God's respect.
We cannot earn His favor of course, but there is something we can do to get His favorable attention. Good works and charitable deeds, although noble, do not achieve that.  Ephesians 2:4-10 reveal this. What gains the respect of God is something that costs us. It is something that is very dear to our heart and is also dear to His heart.
Genesis 4:2-4 says that...
Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.

Both were honorable occupations, but one required the heart of a shepherd whilst the other involved hard work, but was a result of self effort.
It says-
And in the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground. 

Understandably, Cain had to wait for the harvest, but his heat attitude was wrong. He "waited" to present something to God that really did not cost him.
Abel brought of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat portions. And the Lord had respect and regard for Abel and for his offering, Genesis 4:2-4.
Abel's firstborn! He had no guarantee of another lamb. He had nurtured, tended and protected the mother during pregnancy and she was dear to his heart. When that lamb came into the world, it was his most prized possession and he gave it to God with heartfelt gratitude. That gained the respect of God.