God’s will can seem mysterious, but the Bible gives us insight into understanding His good, acceptable, and perfect will. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Here we see three aspects of God’s will:
God’s Good Will
God’s good will refers to what is morally good and righteous in God’s eyes. As 1 Thessalonians 4:3 says, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification.” God desires for us to pursue holiness and righteousness. He wants us to turn away from sin and walk in obedience to His commands. His good will often requires denying our fleshly desires in order to follow the Spirit’s leading (Galatians 5:16-17). God’s good will is always consistent with His holy nature.
We can discern God’s good will by reading His word. The Bible makes clear what pleases God and what displeases Him. As we renew our minds through Scripture, we better understand how to live a life that aligns with His will. We must continuously submit ourselves to the Lordship of Christ and recognize that our lives are not our own. We belong to God.
God’s Acceptable Will
God’s acceptable will refers to those things that are permissible, but not necessarily commanded. This relates to the decisions we make in the course of daily living. God gives us freedom in these areas. 1 Corinthians 10:23 says, “All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful.” Just because we can do something does not mean we should.
Within God’s acceptable will, we should make choices based on wisdom, our conscience, and consideration of how it affects others. God’s acceptable will still requires being led by the Spirit. We must be careful not to quench the Spirit through stubbornness or lack of faith (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22). Submitting to one another and bearing each other’s burdens also fulfills the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).
In matters of indifference, God grants us liberty. But we must use this freedom responsibly, guided by love. As Romans 14:19 says, “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” Our choices should aim to edify others, not cause them to stumble.
God’s Perfect Will
God’s perfect will specifically refers to His plan for each person’s life. This involves His calling and purpose for how we use our spiritual gifts and abilities. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” God meticulously prepared these works for us to fulfill.
Discerning God’s perfect will requires complete surrender to Him. We must deny our human ambitions and agendas. Too often we try to force our own will upon God. But we only find God’s perfect will for our lives through humble obedience, patience, and prayer. As we wait on the Lord, He will reveal His plans for us one step at a time (Psalm 37:7, Proverbs 3:5-6).
Walking in God’s perfect will also requires faith and courage. God’s plans for us can seem impossible in our own strength. But His promises assure us that He will equip those He calls (2 Peter 1:3, 2 Corinthians 12:9). If we trust Him fully, He will use our lives in remarkable ways for His glory.
How to Discern God’s Will
Discerning the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God begins with the transformation of our minds (Romans 12:2). As we renew our thinking through Scripture, we gain kingdom perspectives. The Spirit renews our desires to align with His. We see sin for what it is and yearn for righteousness. Our thoughts become captive to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
The Word of God is indispensable for knowing God’s will. But we also need the Spirit’s guidance in applying the Word. 1 Corinthians 2:12-13 says the Spirit teaches us how to interpret spiritual truths. As we walk in the Spirit, we can trust His wisdom in how to live out Scripture.
Prayer is another vital aspect of discernment. We desperately need God’s direction, so we should seek it diligently (James 1:5). He promises if we ask for wisdom, He will give it generously (James 1:5). As we present our requests to God, He opens our eyes to understand His will more clearly.
Wise counsel provides another means of discernment. Those who walk closely with God can often see His will before we do. “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14). Godly friends and spiritual leaders can warn us if we are veering off course.
Lastly, discernment requires taking thoughts captive and obedience. The Spirit prompts us, but we must choose to obey. As we walk in truth, God continues illuminating the next steps. Staying sensitive to His quiet, still voice is imperative. Even when His will seems difficult or unclear, we must trust the Shepherd’s leading.
Following God’s Will
Although discernment requires effort, God’s will is not burdensome (1 John 5:3). It is a path of joy and peace. Walking in the light brings fellowship with God and others (1 John 1:7). Fulfilling our purpose gives meaning and satisfaction in life. We were created to walk in these good works (Ephesians 2:10).
However, following God’s will also involves suffering. The world hates those who belong to Christ (John 15:18-21). Sharing the Gospel often leads to persecution. Fulfilling God’s will requires denying ourselves, bearing our cross, and following Jesus even unto death (Matthew 16:24-26). We must be ready to suffer for righteousness without compromising faith.
But these trials prove and purify our faith (1 Peter 1:6-7). Walking in God’s will brings eternal rewards. So we can rejoice as we share in the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings (Philippians 3:7-11). We look ahead to the crown of righteousness prepared for those who love His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8).
As we walk in the light, the blood of Christ cleanses us from sin (1 John 1:7). We maintain close fellowship with the Father as we live out His purpose. Though the world hates us, we have God’s presence and promises. His grace and strength are sufficient to uphold us. What greater joy could there be than living in the center of God’s perfect will?