Definition and General Understanding:

Good-will, in a biblical context, refers to the benevolent and kind intentions or disposition towards others, reflecting the love and grace of God. It is an attitude that seeks the welfare and happiness of others, often manifesting in acts of kindness, charity, and forgiveness. Good-will is closely associated with the Christian virtues of love, mercy, and compassion.

Biblical References:

1. Luke 2:14 · The announcement of Jesus' birth by the angels to the shepherds includes a proclamation of peace and good-will: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests!" . This verse highlights the divine good-will extended to humanity through the incarnation of Christ, emphasizing God's favor and benevolence.

2. Philippians 2:13 · The Apostle Paul speaks of God's work within believers, which includes the cultivation of good-will: "For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose." . Here, good-will is seen as part of God's transformative work in the hearts of believers, aligning their desires with His divine purposes.

3. Ephesians 6:7 · Paul encourages believers to serve with good-will: "Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men." . This instruction underscores the importance of performing duties with a sincere and benevolent heart, as an act of worship and service to God.

Theological Significance:

Good-will is a reflection of God's character and an essential aspect of Christian living. It is rooted in the understanding that God, in His infinite love, extends grace and mercy to humanity. Christians are called to emulate this divine attribute by showing good-will to others, thereby becoming conduits of God's love in the world.

Practical Application:

1. Interpersonal Relationships: Good-will should govern interactions with others, promoting peace, understanding, and reconciliation. It involves actively seeking the best for others, even at personal cost, and forgiving offenses as God forgives.

2. Community and Society: In a broader sense, good-will extends to societal engagement, where Christians are encouraged to contribute positively to their communities, advocating for justice, and supporting those in need.

3. Evangelism and Ministry: Good-will is a powerful tool in evangelism and ministry, as it demonstrates the love of Christ in tangible ways. Acts of kindness and service can open doors for sharing the Gospel and building relationships.

Challenges to Good-will:

While good-will is a noble pursuit, it can be challenged by human tendencies towards selfishness, pride, and resentment. The Christian journey involves a continual reliance on the Holy Spirit to cultivate and sustain a heart of good-will, overcoming these natural inclinations.

Conclusion:

Good-will, as a biblical principle, calls believers to reflect God's love and grace in their interactions with others. It is a vital component of Christian ethics, shaping how individuals relate to one another and engage with the world around them. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Christians are empowered to live out this virtue, bringing glory to God and advancing His kingdom on earth.2133. eunoia -- goodwill
... enthusiasm. Word Origin from the same as eunoeo Definition goodwill NASB
Word Usage good will (1). benevolence, good will. From ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2133.htm - 6k

26. agape -- love, goodwill
... goodwill. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: agape Phonetic Spelling:
(ag-ah'-pay) Short Definition: love Definition: love, benevolence, good will, ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/26.htm - 7k

2107. eudokia -- good pleasure
... good pleasure. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: eudokia Phonetic
Spelling: (yoo-dok-ee'-ah) Short Definition: good-will, favor Definition: (a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2107.htm - 7k

1595. hekousios -- of free will, voluntary
... Phonetic Spelling: (hek-oo'-see-on) Short Definition: willing, voluntary, spontaneous
Definition: willing, with right good will, voluntary, spontaneous. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1595.htm - 6k

2132. eunoeo -- to think kindly of, ie to be favorable
... kindly of, ie to be favorable. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: eunoeo Phonetic
Spelling: (yoo-no-eh'-o) Short Definition: I have good-will Definition: I ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2132.htm - 6k

7522. ratson -- goodwill, favor, acceptance, will
... Word Origin from ratsah Definition goodwill, favor, acceptance, will NASB Word ... desires
(1), earnestly* (1), favor (17), favorable (2), good will (1), please (1 ...
/hebrew/7522.htm - 6k

Letter vii. --The Want of Good-Will.
... SIXTH BOOK: ON THE CONTINUATION OF TRIALS, AND FEAR OF THE ANGER OF GOD. Letter
VII."The Want of Good-Will. ... On the fear of being deficient in good-will. ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/letter vii the want of good-will.htm

But You Will Say, the Good Will of a Friend Towards Me, Although I ...
... 5. But you will say, the good will of a friend towards me, although I cannot see
it, yet can I trace it out by many proofs; but you, what things you will us to ...
/.../augustine/concerning faith of things not seen /5 but you will say.htm

The Triumph of God's Sovereign Good Will
... The Triumph of God's Sovereign Good Will. 100. ... For example, it is a good son's will
that his father live, whereas it is God's good will that he should die. ...
/.../augustine/handbook on faith hope and love/chapter xxvi the triumph of.htm

The Substance of all Perfection is Nought Else but a Good Will ...
... HERE BEGINNETH THE NINE AND FORTIETH CHAPTER The substance of all perfection is
nought else but a good will; and how that all sounds and comfort and sweetness ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the nine and 3.htm

God Does all for a Soul of Goodwill.
... CHAPTER II. THE DUTIES OF THOSE SOULS CALLED BY GOD TO THE STATE OF
ABANDONMENT: SECTION IV."God Does All for a Soul of Goodwill. ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/section iv god does all for.htm

The Song of the Angels
... This song of the angels, as we have been used to reading it, was a threefold message;
of glory to God, peace on earth, and good-will among men; but the better ...
/.../peabody/mornings in the college chapel/xxx the song of the.htm

The First Christmas Carol
... go about the streets singing Christmas carols, or songs, at the doors of people's
houses, and the people for whom they sing give them tokens of their good-will ...
/.../chidley/fifty-two story talks to boys and girls/the first christmas carol.htm

Divine Love, the Principle of all Good.
... This is the recompense for everyone who accepts with goodwill the state in which
he is placed by Providence. ... Oh! what good policy it is to have goodwill! ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/section ix divine love the principle.htm

Works and Letters of St. Ambrose
... Good-will exists especially in the Church, and nourishes kindred virtues.? Chapter
XXXIV. Some other advantages of goodwill are here enumerated.? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/

Ephesians vi. 8-May
... good-will doing service, as unto the Lord, and not unto men." Seest thou how many
words he requires, in order to implant this good principle, "with goodwill," ...
/.../homily xxii ephesians vi 8-may.htm

Good-will (8 Occurrences)
Good-will. Goodwill, Good-will. Gopher . Multi-Version Concordance Good-will
(8 Occurrences). ... (YLT). Goodwill, Good-will. Gopher . Reference Bible.
/g/good-will.htm - 8k

Goodwill (5 Occurrences)
...Goodwill (5 Occurrences). ... Philippians 1:15 Certain, indeed, even through envy and
contention, and certain also through good-will, do preach the Christ; (See NIV ...
/g/goodwill.htm - 7k

Good (8348 Occurrences)
... In Luke 2:14 for "men of goodwill" (eudokia) the Revised Version (British and American ...
The meaning is "men to whom God is drawing nigh in goodwill or acceptance ...
/g/good.htm - 26k

Favor (184 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Kind regard; propitious aspect; countenance;
friendly disposition; kindness; goodwill. 2. (n.) The ...
/f/favor.htm - 40k

Love (703 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) Affection; kind feeling; friendship; strong liking or desire; fondness;
goodwill; -- opposed to hate; often with of and an object. ...
/l/love.htm - 65k

Friendship (13 Occurrences)
... of being friends; friendly relation, or attachment, to a person, or between persons;
affection arising from mutual esteem and goodwill; friendliness; amity ...
/f/friendship.htm - 13k

Affection (30 Occurrences)
... propensity; tendency. 4. (n.) A settled goodwill; kind feeling; love; zealous
or tender attachment; -- often in the pl. Formerly followed ...
/a/affection.htm - 20k

Salute (48 Occurrences)
... greet; to hail. 2. (vt) Hence, to give a sign of goodwill; to compliment
by an act or ceremony, as a kiss, a bow, etc. 3. (vt) To ...
/s/salute.htm - 19k

Gopher (1 Occurrence)

/g/gopher.htm - 9k

Sanctification (13 Occurrences)
... Jesus declares that belonging to God means likeness to Him, sonship is
sharing His spirit of loving goodwill (Matthew 5:43-48). ...
/s/sanctification.htm - 45k

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