goodwill to all?

Meet Mr. “GOODWILL” {Hunting!}

characteristics

Concerned about how he may please his wife (1 cor. 7:33-34)

Does not try to displease his wife but please her

He is not consciously, willfully, habitually trying to be unloving and displeasing

When he gets angry or stubborn, he is not set on a course to hurt his wife

He tries to be well meaning

He wants a happy marriage

Wants unconditional respect

Desires to work and achieve

Desires to protect and provide

Desires shoulder-to-shoulder friendship

Desires to analyze and counsel with his insights

Wants to be seen as one “who manages his own household well” 1 Tim. 3:4

In our session today in Bible study working through chapters 15+16 of "Love and Respect" we looked at the characteristics of a "goodwilled" man - which reminded me of the movie Goodwill Hunting (in name only!).  What is interesting is that we often look at our spouses or friends or family and forget that they have GOODWILL towards us.  If I would just remember to look past my own pride or hurt I would see not the actions but the intent.  Not my rights but theirs.  Isn't strange how we have to train ourselves to see the good will in each other, even those we love deeply?  Fear and past hurts and plain old sinfulness keep us looking for the wrongs. I found this activity useful:  to then look at my spouse, friend, family member and record their...

desires not performance

Focus on positive not negative

Try and see what God sees 

And know that noone is perfect...not even me! ;-)

Matt. 26:41

"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

Ecc. 7:20

"Not a single person on earth is always good and never sins."