Definition and Overview:
Good intentions refer to the desire or plan to do what is right or beneficial. In the context of Christian theology, good intentions are often seen as the initial step towards righteous action. However, the Bible emphasizes that intentions alone are insufficient without corresponding actions. The sincerity of one's heart is important, but it must be accompanied by obedience to God's commandments and the pursuit of His will.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 16:2 : "All a man’s ways are pure in his own eyes, but his motives are weighed by the LORD." This verse highlights that while individuals may perceive their intentions as good, it is God who discerns the true motives of the heart. It serves as a reminder that self-assessment is limited and that divine evaluation is paramount.

2. James 2:17 : "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." This passage underscores the necessity of translating good intentions into tangible deeds. Faith, when not accompanied by action, is considered ineffective and lifeless.

3. Matthew 7:21 : "Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven." Here, Jesus emphasizes that verbal declarations or intentions are not enough; what matters is doing the will of God.

4. Romans 7:18-19 : "I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do. Instead, I keep on doing the evil I do not want to do." The Apostle Paul expresses the struggle between good intentions and sinful actions, illustrating the human condition and the need for divine assistance.

Theological Insights:

· The Heart and Actions: The Bible consistently teaches that God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7), but it also stresses that genuine faith and love for God will manifest in actions. Good intentions must be aligned with God's will and result in obedience and service.

· The Role of the Holy Spirit: Christians believe that the Holy Spirit empowers believers to transform good intentions into righteous actions. The Spirit provides guidance, strength, and conviction to overcome the fleshly tendencies that hinder the fulfillment of good intentions.

· Accountability and Stewardship: Believers are called to be stewards of their intentions, ensuring that they align with biblical principles. This involves regular self-examination, prayer, and seeking counsel from Scripture and fellow believers to ensure that intentions lead to God-honoring actions.

Practical Application:

· Prayer and Discernment: Christians are encouraged to seek God's guidance through prayer to ensure their intentions align with His will. Discernment is crucial in distinguishing between self-serving intentions and those that genuinely seek to honor God.

· Community and Accountability: Engaging with a community of believers provides support and accountability, helping individuals to act on their good intentions and grow in their faith.

· Continuous Growth: The Christian journey involves continuous growth and transformation. Believers are encouraged to cultivate their intentions through spiritual disciplines such as Bible study, worship, and service, allowing God to shape their desires and actions.

In summary, while good intentions are commendable, the Bible teaches that they must be coupled with action and obedience to God's will. True faith is demonstrated through deeds that reflect the love and righteousness of God.1 Timothy 2:4
Who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
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Matthew 7:12
Therefore all things whatever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
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1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication:
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Galatians 5:14
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
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Romans 13:1-7
Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
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Romans 13:8-10
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loves another has fulfilled the law.
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1 John 3:18
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
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2 Corinthians 6:14
Be you not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion has light with darkness?
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1 John 4:1
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
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1 Corinthians 15:33
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
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4284. machashabah -- thought, device
... NASB Word Usage design (1), designs (3), devised (1), intentions* (1), invented
(1 ... abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice) -- cunning ...
/hebrew/4284.htm - 6k

Parable of the Good Shepherd. --The Parable Extended. --Christ the ...
... their good intentions, had neither the steadiness of purpose nor the
self-sacrificing love which were needed in such a position. ...
/.../section 200 parable of the.htm

Letter v. --Distractions in Prayer.
... these perverse intentions, convinced that God sees, and will punish them; do you
not believe then that He also sees your secret good intentions and that He is ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/letter v distractions in prayer.htm

A Friendly Conference.
... to expound to you what things we believe to be good and right; and if you do not
think them true, you will take in good part our good intentions towards you ...
/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter iii a friendly conference.htm

Two Sunsets
... If not, what assurance have you that it will be different? Good intentions
will never change it. Good desires will never change it. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk forty-nine two sunsets.htm

All Saints' Day
... It is a peculiarly holy life to those who walk therein, with pure hearts and good
intentions; and by means of their good example, God often brings about the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxvi all saints day.htm

On Corrupting the Word of God
... both together. Here is all a Preacher can do; all the evidence that he
either can or need give of his good intentions. There is ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 136 on corrupting the.htm

The Great Debt She Owed to Our Lord for his Mercy to Her. She ...
... his feast with all the solemnity I could, but with more vanity than spirituality,
seeking rather too much splendour and effect, and yet with good intentions. ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter vi the great debt.htm

Letter iii. --The Illusions of the Devil.
... a position, what shall I say to God, what act should I make?" and if, when the time
arrives you are prevented from carrying out your good intentions, you can ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/letter iii the illusions of the.htm

Letter xxiv. --The Call of God a Sign of Predestination.
... religion. It costs so much to serve God in the world, that people often
lose courage and give up their good intentions. You must ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter xxiv the call of god.htm

Letter v. --Means of Acquiring this Practice.
... Be carefully on your guard against the snares that the enemy will lay
in your path to make you forsake your good intentions. Do ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/letter v means of acquiring this.htm

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