How can a person be good? Being a good person involves a combination of qualities and actions that contribute positively to oneself and others. Here are a few habits one would expect to find in a good person:
- Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others helps build strong, compassionate relationships.
- Kindness: Small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Kindness goes a long way, whether helping someone in need or simply being polite.
- Integrity: Being honest and having strong moral principles. Integrity builds trust and respect.
- Respect: Treating others respectfully, regardless of their background or beliefs, fosters a more inclusive and harmonious environment.
- Responsibility: Taking responsibility for one’s actions and their impact on others.
- Continuous Learning: Striving to improve oneself through learning and self-reflection.
Maybe we are asking ourselves whether we should do something good and what those “Good” things should be. The good from God’s perspective is a simple list:
- Trust in God: Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight“.
- Seek God’s Guidance: Romans 12:2 encourages believers to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will“.
- Follow God’s Directives: The New Testament highlights God’s will, including moral directives. The Ten Commandments are found in Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21, the most well-known moral directives. In Matthew 5-7, Jesus provides extensive teachings on how to live a morally upright life. As described in Galatians 5:22-23, are qualities that reflect a life led by the Holy Spirit. Romans 12 provides practical advice on living a Christian life, emphasizing love, humility, and righteousness. And, of course, in the greatest commandments (Matthew 22:37-40), Jesus summarizes the law by highlighting the importance of loving God and loving your neighbor as yourself.
- Value Others Above Yourself: Philippians 2:3-4 states, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others“.
In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us to pray for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:9-10). The will of God encompasses everything that God desires or wishes to happen in heaven and on earth. It includes His sovereign control, moral requirements, and salvific mission (God’s plan and actions to bring about salvation for humanity). The Bible describes God’s will as a blueprint for creation and specific actions He wishes to take in the world He created.
The Old Testament emphasizes that God’s will is resolute and bears on His actions and the life of His people. Psalm 135:6 states, “The Lord does whatever pleases him,” indicating that God’s will is the pattern to be followed in life by His people. The New Testament further elaborates on God’s will, highlighting that it includes moral directives such as being sexually pure (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8), being filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:17-18), and giving thanks always (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
(Proverbs 3:5-6) – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
In other words, is the question, “What is God’s Will for You? Understanding God’s will for one’s life is arguably the most critical question because it provides a profound sense of purpose and direction. Knowing God’s will offers a stable foundation for building one’s life in a world of uncertainty and competing priorities. It aligns personal ambitions with a higher calling, ensuring one’s actions and decisions are meaningful and aligned with the greater good. This alignment brings peace, fulfillment, and a sense of belonging as individuals realize they are part of a divine plan. Moreover, seeking God’s will fosters spiritual growth, moral integrity, and a compassionate outlook toward others, ultimately leading to a more harmonious and purposeful existence. Understanding and following God’s will can transform one’s life, making it successful and significant. And what does that mean?
- Reaching Out: According to Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus directs us to reach out to others and share the Good News with the world. This means actively engaging with people and spreading the message of God’s love and salvation.
- Helping Others: Living a life of service is crucial. Small acts of kindness, such as volunteering at a local charity, helping a neighbor, or offering a listening ear, can significantly impact. This demonstrates the love and compassion that Jesus taught.
- Creating Disciples: Jesus instructs us to build disciples, which involves teaching and guiding others in their faith journey. This requires patience, dedication, and a genuine desire to help others grow spiritually.
- Living by Example: Being a good role model is essential. Demonstrating empathy, kindness, integrity, respect, and responsibility can inspire others to follow the path of discipleship.
Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight“. This means relying on God’s wisdom rather than our own. Romans 12:2 encourages believers to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will“. This involves a continuous process of spiritual growth and discernment. The New Testament highlights that God’s will includes moral directives such as being sexually pure (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8), being filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:17-18), and giving thanks always (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Philippians 2:3-4 states, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others“. This emphasizes the importance of humility and serving others.
Prayer is a vital way to seek and align with God’s will. By trusting in God, seeking His guidance, following moral directives, valuing others, and praying for His will, a person can understand and align with God’s desires and be assured that their life is responding to the “right question.”
(Matthew 28:18-20) – “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Contemplations
- What does it mean to seek God’s will in your daily life?
- Ideas to Explore: Reflect on how you can incorporate prayer, scripture reading, and spiritual discernment into your daily routine. Consider specific actions or decisions where you can seek God’s guidance and align your choices with His teachings.
- How can understanding God’s will provide a sense of purpose and direction?
- Ideas to Explore: Think about moments when you felt uncertain or lost. Explore how seeking God’s will could have provided clarity and direction. Consider the long-term impact of aligning your life with a higher calling and the fulfillment it brings.
- What are practical ways to build disciples in your community?
- Ideas to Explore: Identify outreach opportunities, such as volunteering, mentoring, or leading a small group. Reflect on the importance of living by example and how your actions can inspire others to follow the path of discipleship.
- How can valuing others above yourself align with God’s will?
- Ideas to Explore: Examine the teachings of Philippians 2:3-4 and consider how humility and selflessness can transform your relationships. Think about specific ways you can prioritize the needs and interests of others in your daily interactions.
- What role does prayer play in understanding and following God’s will?
- Ideas to Explore: Reflect on the significance of the Lord’s Prayer and how it guides believers to seek God’s will. Consider how regular prayer can help you stay connected to God’s plan and provide strength and guidance in challenging times.