Knowing the Will of God

I was part of a Bible study series a few years back where we took a step-by-step walk through the Word to determine God's will for His people. For many folks, Christian or not, the concept of knowing God's will seems to be something out of reach; mysterious.

The study came about as a result of other studies we'd had previously. And it was truly an "aha moment." First of all, just looking around "Christiandom", we could see that the people of God were lacking in the defining area of "Love." We didn't even have to look far, because the church where we had regular fellowship was struggling with in-fighting and back-biting. It was beyond sad;  there was nothing "Christ like" about the behaviors we saw on display. So, right away, we could tell that believers were not exemplifying the love Christ speaks about in the New Testament. We took our time digging into the Word, using Strong's Concordance, and found everything we could on how love should behave among the Body of Christ.  We knew for certain, that having and showing love for one another, is the will of God.

Jesus said it very clearly in John 13:34-35 ...So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.  Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. (New Living Translation)

The Apostle, John, repeats the love theme over and over in his 3 epistles in the New Testament. In 1 John 4:8, he goes in: Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. So much more is explored in John's short letters - and as believers, we are left with no doubt about God's will for us concerning love. 

As we look at the very character of God, the Book reveals, by the Spirit that guides us into all truth (John 16:13), that our Heavenly Father is loving, kind, merciful, faithful; He cannot lie, will not abide idolatry among His people, will punish the wicked- and means every Word He says. In Galatians 5: 22-23, the Apostle Paul provides a list of characteristics that the people of God possess:


..the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Many people have a very negative view of Christianity - and, unfortunately, the ones who call themselves by that name are the ones portraying those negative images. The good news is, the Truth of God's character is revealed through His true sons and daughters. God's will is known and shared by those who seek Him with their whole hearts.(Psalm 119:10) And we live out the love in our daily lives - planting seeds of kindness into those who would become believers; encouraging those who already believe.

If we're curious, we will find out what the Lord requires of us, and we will learn exactly how to access the Power to do His will.  Prayer is key. Before we begin a season of study, we must pray for the Lord to open our minds and hearts, by the power of His Spirit - for discernment and understanding, which will, in turn, transform us. The Bible is replete with verses regarding God's will for His people. 1 Thessalonians 5 (written by the Apostle Paul), has a wonderful outline of how we are to live and interact with one another. He admonishes believers to encourage one another, to build each other up - and to.. pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thess. 5:17-18)

Knowing God's will isn't a mystery. It's not something that cannot be understood. As the prophet Micah wrote in Micah 6:8, there are three key things God requires:

He has made it clear to you, mortal man, what is good and what the Lord is requiring from you— to act with justice, to treasure the Lord's gracious love, and to walk humbly in the company of your God.

I pray that we be drawn fully into the light of God's love, and experience the transforming power of His grace in our lives. When we truly love someone, it's just our natural desire to find out everything there is to know about them!