INTRODUCTION
People of God, a common phrase that is peddled in our wishes to others over the Christmas season is “goodwill”. I want us to reflect on what is “God’s “goodwill”?
The “good will” of God is his goodness extended to all mankind according to his purpose and power; when he incarnated HIS WORD (i.e., the Spirit of God) into flesh in Jesus Christ, to redeem mankind from the sins of the world; that they might know him, THE ONLY TRUE GOD, and to reconcile with him. (John 1:14; Luke 1:35; Corinthians 5:18-19; Romans 5:10-11.
According to God’s “goodwill, those who believe in his name, God gave the power to become sons of God born of the “will of God” (John 1:12-13; 17:3).
1. GOOD TIDINGS OF PEACE
God’s “goodwill” to men was expressed in the birth of Christ, and his redemptive grace, was heralded by angels to be “good tidings of great joy” to all people; giving “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and good will toward men” (Luke 2:10 & 14).
“[Christ] gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from the present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father” (Galatians 1:4; Luke 2:30-32). God’s “goodwill” in Christ for you is, therefore “of peace and not evil; that “ye shall seek [him] and find [him] when ye shall search for [him with all your heart “in peace (Jeremiah 29: 11;13).
2. WALK IN THE SPIRIT OF GOODWILL
Brethren as you recognise or celebrate this festive period, or whatever the dire challenges facing you in this season, I pray that you discern and walk in the Spirit of “Good will”. First, to have the knowledge of Christ as your saviour by whom the peace of God reigns on the earth. Second, that you resist the worldly pressures of lusts and evil, that could rob you of the peace that Christ has bought for you.
But consider that, the peace of Christ is not as the peace that is worldly. (John 14:27). The peace of the world is derived from the “care of this world” and the “deceitfulness of riches”. Also, those who cause “tribulations”, “persecutions” or “distress” on others to obtain an advantage walk neither in God’s goodwill or peace. (Matthew 13:19-22; Romans 8:35).
3. PROVING GOODWILL
Worldliness and human challenges can inhibit God’s people from trusting God; discerning and proving his “good will” for you; and could deprive you of enjoying God’s “goodwill”. Proving goodwill is therefore a spiritual endeavour! “For the fruit of the Spirit is in all GOODNESS and RIGHTEOUSNESS and TRUTH”. (Ephesians 5:9-10). Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid; rather, be of good cheer for Christ has overcome the world (John 14:27; 16:33).
To overcome worldliness, brethren, do not conform to, or settle down for the ways of this world in lusts, lies, deceits, riches, manipulations and other cares of this world. Also do not let your thoughts be informed by evil principles or evil speaking. Put Off the “old man” which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts “and be renewed in the spirit of your mind”. (Ephesians 4:22-24).
4. NUTURING GOOD WILL
Brethren in order to nurture goodwill towards the peace of Christ, renew your mind with godliness such as by rejoicing always in the Lord and let your moderation be known unto all men. Also, endeavour to think about true and honest things, just and pure things, lovely things and things that are of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy. (Philippians 4:8).
Above all, “be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7).
PRAYER
Almighty Father, I thank you for your word.
We praise you for your goodwill towards men, by Jesus Christ your Holy son and his Joy and peace brought unto the world. Dear God help thy people to discern your “good will” and walk in your peace.
Holy Spirit as they walk this corrupt world of deceitful lusts, help them not to conform thereto. Let them be renewed in the spirit of your mind.
May all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, clamour, and evil speaking, be put away, with all malice from your people.
Father of Love, inspire love in their hearts to be kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven them.
I make this prayer in JESUS NAME.
My warmest compliments and blessings of the season!!
Lots of Love, P. Schwartz (SOG) 25 December 2021.
