Good Will: A Virtue of Kindness and Benevolence

Good will embodies a friendly, well-intentioned disposition characterized by helpfulness and a genuine desire for the well-being of others, reflecting a heart inclined toward kindness.

The Nature and Expression of Good Will

Good will manifests through helpful cooperation and a friendly, willing disposition that actively seeks and desires the best in another person. This quality goes beyond mere tolerance or polite behavior; it represents an intentional orientation toward others' welfare and flourishing. Good will involves thinking of others before ourselves, demonstrating a willingness to sacrifice our own desires to accommodate someone else's needs.

It is showing kindness

Scripture affirms that "Goodwill is found among the upright" (Prov 14:9), highlighting the connection between righteous character and benevolent intentions. This divine perspective transforms how we view and interact with others.

The expression of good will requires both internal disposition and external action—cultivating attitudes of kindness internally, while manifesting through words and deeds that build up others externally.

Good Will in Action: Biblical Examples and Teachings

Good will calls us to act with respect toward everyone, recognizing their inherent dignity as image-bearers of God. With God's love paramount, our concern for another's good overcomes feelings of offense, resentment, and retaliation (Mt 5:43-48).

As Christians, we can bless others (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). This threefold response—blessing, doing good, and praying—represents the full expression of good will even toward those who oppose or mistreat us.

God demonstrated ultimate good will: "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us...If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Rom 5:8, 8:31). This sacrificial love serves as our motivation and model for extending good will to others.

God acted first

The Impact and Reward of Good Will

God gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the favor of Pharaoh, making him instrumental in saving many from starvation (Act 7:9-14). This biblical account shows how good will opens doors for significant positive impact.

The angels proclaiming Christ's birth declared, "Peace on earth and good will to all men" (Lk 2:14), framing good will as both God's gift and His calling for His people to extend to others.

"The Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does" (Eph 6:7-8; Phil 1:15). This promise assures us that acts of kindness, though sometimes unnoticed by others, are seen and valued by God, who rewards those reflecting His character.

Reward time is coming

Doing Good in Secret: The Heart of True Good Will

Jesus taught His followers to perform good works without seeking attention or praise from others. In the Sermon on the Mount, He warned against practicing righteousness before people to be seen by them, stating that those who do so have no reward from their Father in heaven (Mt 6:1). This instruction reveals that the motive behind our good works matters as much as the works themselves.

Humble service not done for earthly recognition

Specifically addressing acts of giving, Jesus said, "When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Mt 6:3-4). This powerful teaching emphasizes that God sees and rewards deeds done with pure motives, free from the desire for human recognition or applause.

This approach to good works reflects the essence of true good will—a disposition that seeks the genuine well-being of others rather than personal acclaim. When we serve quietly and humbly, our good will flows from a transformed heart that values others' needs above our own reputation. Such secret service demonstrates that our motivation is love for God and love for people, not the pursuit of status or admiration.

Reflection and Application:

Examine your current attitudes toward difficult people in your life and ask God to help you develop genuine good will toward them.
Identify specific opportunities this week to demonstrate good will through blessing others with words, doing good deeds, and praying for those who may not deserve it.
Reflect on how God's good will toward you through Christ can motivate and empower you to extend the same grace to others.
Consider how cultivating good will might open doors for ministry and influence in your relationships and community.

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