Good will

<<friendly, well-intentioned>>

Good will is being helpful and co-operating, having a friendly, willing disposition and looking for and desiring the best in another. “Goodwill is found among the upright” (Prov 14:9). It is thinking of others before ourselves, willing to sacrifice our own desires to accommodate someone else’s needs. While

It is showing kindness

we may not like everyone, we are to act with respect toward everyone. With God’s love paramount, our concern for another's good overcomes any feelings of offense, resentment, and retaliation (Mt 5:43-48). It motivates us to do good rather than react in the same manner to what caused our negative feelings toward the other. As Christians, we can bless (speaking good words instead of bad), do good for our enemies (not merely restraining from retaliation), and pray for them (asking God to change their hearts so two-way love can exist). God showed good will to us: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us...If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom 5:8, 8:31). He wants us to live, resembling His nature.

God gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the good will or favour of Pharaoh the king of Egypt. As a result, he was instrumental in saving many people from starvation (Act 7:9-14). The angels announcing the birth of Jesus said, “Peace on earth and good will to all man” (Lk 2:14). Goodwill is a right motive for sharing Christ and serving man for “The Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does” (Eph 6:7,8; Phil 1:15).

See also: favour , golden rule, good works, kindness.