Knowing what pleases God begins with having a relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ. When we become children of God through faith in Christ, we receive the Holy Spirit who guides us into truth and convicts us of sin (John 16:13, John 16:8). As we read God’s Word, the Bible, we learn what pleases God and what does not. We also learn to tune our hearts to the gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit within us. Here are some key principles from Scripture about discerning and doing what pleases God:
1. Obeying God’s moral commands pleases Him
God has given us moral commands in the Bible that teach us what pleases Him. When we obey God’s moral laws, such as do not steal, do not commit adultery, do not covet, honor your parents, etc., we please God (1 John 3:22). We know these things are pleasing to Him because Scripture teaches that those who break God’s commands are displeasing to Him (1 Kings 11:9, Isaiah 59:2). As we strive to obey God’s moral commands, we can be assured it brings Him pleasure.
2. Having faith pleases God
The Bible tells us clearly that “without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). When we trust God even when we cannot see the outcome, we demonstrate faith in His character and promises. This faith pleases God because it shows we believe He is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do. Pleasing faith also leads to action, as James says “I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:18). Our actions of obedience and service demonstrate the sincerity of our faith.
3. Loving others pleases God
When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, He replied to love God and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:36-40). Showing God’s unconditional love to others through kindness, compassion, forgiveness, generosity and sacrificial service pleases God greatly. In fact, Jesus said when we serve others in need it is as if we are directly serving Him (Matthew 25:35-40). Living by the golden rule and treating others as we want to be treated demonstrates Christ-like love that pleases God.
4. Praising and thanking God pleases Him
Scripture exhorts us to “enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise” (Psalm 100:4). When we sincerely thank and praise God for who He is and all He has done for us, it brings pleasure to His heart. Hebrews 13:15 tells us that through Jesus “let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God.” God delights when His children recognize His love and give Him glory and honor for His mighty acts. The book of Psalms offers many examples of praising God in song, prayer, poetry and thanksgiving.
5. Purity and holiness please God
Because God is morally pure and holy, He desires for His children to pursue purity and holiness. When we repent of sin and turn away from immorality, we please God. Paul exhorted believers to “pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace” (2 Timothy 2:22). As we set our minds on heavenly things rather than earthly desires, we walk in greater holiness which is pleasing to God (Colossians 3:1-2). Additionally, when we take care of our bodies which are temples of the Holy Spirit, we glorify God (1 Corinthians 6:20).
6. Bearing spiritual fruit pleases God
As branches connected to the vine of Christ, God wants us to bear spiritual fruit in our lives (John 15:1-8). When we allow the Holy Spirit to produce in us the fruit of “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control”, it brings joy to God’s heart (Galatians 5:22-23). This fruit benefits others and shows that we are walking in close relationship with Jesus. Bearing the fruit of righteousness in our character pleases our Heavenly Father.
7. Being obedient to His calling pleases God
When we surrender to God’s will for our lives and obey His direct guidance, it brings Him pleasure. Jesus said His food was to do the will of the Father who sent Him (John 4:34). When we use the gifts and talents God has given us in the way He intends, we experience the joy of pleasing Him through faithful stewardship. For example, if God calls a person to vocational ministry or missions work and they obey that calling, their obedience pleases God even when it requires sacrifice. We please God by walking in the works He has prepared for us (Ephesians 2:10).
8. Being generous and wise with our money pleases God
Since everything we have comes from God, when we are generous in how we use our money and possessions it pleases Him. Scripture says God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7) and that when we generously meet the needs of the poor and support kingdom work, it pleases Him (Philippians 4:18, Hebrews 13:16). Additionally, being wise, responsible and hard-working with our money brings God pleasure. While God calls us to be generous, He also wants us to save, avoid debt, work diligently and manage money well for our families. Honoring God with our wealth in all these ways is pleasing to Him.
9. Being humble pleases God
The Bible clearly teaches that “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5, James 4:6). A humble spirit that recognizes our human frailty and dependence on God pleases Him. When we do not think of ourselves more highly than we ought, but live with humility toward others, it reflects Christ’s example of servanthood and brings joy to God. Pride is rooted in self-glorification, whereas humility points to the glory of God. Jesus showed that following in His humble footsteps is what pleases the Father.
10. Being heavenly minded pleases God
Since believers in Christ are citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20), God is pleased when we set our minds on things above rather than being consumed by earthly affairs (Colossians 3:2). When we live in light of eternity, faithfully running the race marked out for us, we can anticipate hearing “Well done good and faithful servant” from our Heavenly Father. Keeping an eternal perspective and longing for our future hope and inheritance pleases God because it demonstrates that we trust His sovereign plan and purposes.
In summary, pleasing God flows out of a transformed heart that loves Him, knows His Word and listens to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. The key is developing an intimate relationship with God so that we can discern how to walk in a way that brings joy to His heart and honors Christ our Savior and Lord. What pleases the human spirit – love, gratitude, obedience, generosity – also pleases our Heavenly Father’s heart, for we are made in His image. As His dearly loved children, we can find great purpose, meaning and blessing in living each day to hear the Father say “Well done, you please Me.”