In the context of biblical teachings, well-wishers are individuals who express goodwill, kindness, and positive intentions towards others. The concept of well-wishing aligns with the broader biblical principles of love, compassion, and community support. Throughout Scripture, believers are encouraged to exhibit these qualities as a reflection of God's love and grace.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of well-wishing through acts of kindness and blessings. In the book of Ruth, Boaz exemplifies a well-wisher when he shows kindness to Ruth, a Moabite widow, by allowing her to glean in his fields and ensuring her protection (Ruth 2:8-12). Boaz's actions are rooted in the Hebrew concept of "chesed," which denotes loving-kindness and loyalty.

The patriarchal blessings, such as those given by Isaac to Jacob (Genesis 27:27-29) and Jacob to his sons (Genesis 49), also reflect the practice of well-wishing. These blessings were not merely expressions of hope but were believed to carry prophetic significance and divine favor.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, well-wishing is closely associated with the teachings of Jesus Christ and the apostles. Jesus' Sermon on the Mount emphasizes the importance of loving one's neighbor and even one's enemies, which includes wishing them well (Matthew 5:43-48). The Berean Standard Bible records Jesus' words: "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44).

The apostle Paul frequently encouraged believers to express goodwill towards one another. In his letter to the Romans, he writes, "Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse" (Romans 12:14). This exhortation underscores the transformative power of well-wishing as a means of overcoming evil with good.

Practical Application

The biblical mandate for well-wishing extends beyond mere words to include actions that demonstrate genuine care and support. The early church exemplified this through their communal living and sharing of resources, as seen in Acts 2:44-47. Believers are called to be well-wishers by offering encouragement, support, and prayer for one another.

James, the brother of Jesus, highlights the importance of aligning one's actions with their expressions of goodwill: "Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you tells them, 'Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,' but does not provide for their physical needs, what good is that?" (James 2:15-16). This passage emphasizes that true well-wishing involves tangible acts of kindness.

Theological Implications

Theologically, well-wishing is rooted in the character of God, who desires the well-being of His creation. God's blessings and promises throughout Scripture are expressions of His goodwill towards humanity. Believers, as image-bearers of God, are called to reflect His character by being well-wishers in their communities.

The practice of well-wishing is also eschatological, pointing towards the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingdom, where peace, love, and goodwill will reign supreme. In this light, well-wishing serves as a foretaste of the coming kingdom and a witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not explicitly use the term "well-wishers," the concept is deeply embedded in its teachings. Through acts of kindness, blessings, and prayers, believers are called to be well-wishers, reflecting God's love and grace in a world in need of hope and healing.

Whether Almsgiving is a Matter of Precept?
... Now the love of our neighbor requires that not only should we be our neighbor's
well-wishers, but also his well-doers, according to 1:Jn.3:18: "Let us not love ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether almsgiving is a matter.htm

Of Love to God
... God. He that is endeared in affection to his friend, wishes all happiness
to him. This is to love God when we are well-wishers. We ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/of love to god.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xii. 35, "Let Your Loins be ...
... Thou makest some annual festival with thy friends, and hearest it there said to
thee by thy well-wishers, "Mayest thou live many years," thou dost wish that ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lviii on the words.htm

His Arrival in his Native Land and the virtues Practised There ...
... When ready to embark at Valencia to sail to Genoa, several of his well-wishers
dissuaded him, because, as they asserted, the Barbary pirates were on the sea ...
/.../loyola/the autobiography of st ignatius/chapter viii his arrival in.htm

That Upon the Slaughter of Ishbosheth by the Treachery of his ...
... So they came to Hebron, and showed David the head of Ishbosheth, and presented
themselves to him as his well-wishers, and such as had killed one that was his ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 that upon the.htm

Wesley Meets Peter Bohler
... Calling at an odd house in the afternoon, I found several persons there who seemed
well-wishers to religion, to whom I spake plainly; as I did in the evening ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/wesley meets peter bohler.htm

Whether Piety Extends to Particular Human Individuals?
... Rhet. ii) that "it is by piety that we do our duty towards our kindred and
well-wishers of our country and render them faithful service.". ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether piety extends to particular.htm

Whether the virtues Annexed to Justice are Suitably Enumerated?
... ii, 53), a man "renders service and constant deference to his kindred and the
well-wishers of his country." Thirdly, according to the Philosopher (Ethic. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the virtues annexed to.htm

Whether the Fourth Precept, About Honoring One's Parents, is ...
... Objection 2: Further, piety pays worship not only to one's parents, but also to
one's country, and also to other blood kindred, and to the well-wishers of our ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the fourth precept about.htm

Whether Piety Provides Support for Our Parents?
... ii), "we offer homage and duty to all our kindred and to the well-wishers of our
country"; not, however, equally to all, but chiefly to our parents, and to ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether piety provides support for.htm

Well-wishers (1 Occurrence)
Well-wishers. Well-wisher, Well-wishers. Weltering . Multi-Version
Concordance Well-wishers (1 Occurrence). Psalms 55 ...
/w/well-wishers.htm - 6k

Well-wisher (1 Occurrence)
Well-wisher. Well-watered, Well-wisher. Well-wishers . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Well-watered, Well-wisher. Well-wishers . Reference Bible.
/w/well-wisher.htm - 6k

Weltering (2 Occurrences)

/w/weltering.htm - 7k

Polluted (80 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Psalms 55:20 He hath sent forth his hands against
his well-wishers, He hath polluted his covenant. (YLT). ...
/p/polluted.htm - 31k

What is the significance of Jacob's well? | GotQuestions.org

What did Jesus mean when He told people, “Your faith has made you well”? | GotQuestions.org

What can we learn from the woman at the well? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus