“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” — Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
One of the most deepest desires of a Christian’s heart is to live a life that pleases God. But what does it really mean to please God? Will God be pleased with us? According to Bible, pleasing God is not about a checklist of good deeds or religious rituals; it is about living a life that reflects faith, love, obedience, and surrender to Him. It’s about cultivating a relationship with God that aligns our hearts with His will. This is one of the major differences between Christianity and many other religions. Lets look at some of the ways we can please God based on the word of God.
1. Faith is Essential to Pleasing God
Bible says at the heart of pleasing God is faith. Hebrews 11:6 tells us that “without faith it is impossible to please God.” Faith is more than just believing that God exists; it is trusting in His promises, His goodness, and His plan for our lives. It is the foundation of our relationship with God. Through faith, we believe in His Word, walk in His ways, and trust Him even when circumstances don’t make sense.
When we step out in faith, trusting God with the details of our lives, we honor Him and give Him room to work in powerful ways.
2. Obedience Brings Pleasure to God
Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). Obedience to God’s commands is a powerful way to show our love for Him and to please Him. Obedience is not a burden, but a joyful response to God’s grace and goodness in our lives. When we obey, we align ourselves with His will and allow His purposes to unfold in our lives.
1 Samuel 15:22 reminds us, “To obey is better than sacrifice.” God is more pleased with our obedience than with religious rituals. Obedience is a reflection of a heart surrendered to God’s authority.
3. Living a Life of Love
God is love, and one of the greatest ways we can please Him is by loving others. Jesus summarized the entire law with two commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39). When we live in love—toward God and others—we reflect God’s character and please Him.
1 Corinthians 13:13 tells us that of faith, hope, and love, the greatest is love. When we show love in our actions, words, and attitudes, we are fulfilling God’s will and bringing joy to His heart.
4. Seek God’s Will and Walk in His Ways
Pleasing God involves seeking His will in all we do. Ephesians 5:10 encourages us to “find out what pleases the Lord.” How do we do this? By spending time in His Word, in prayer, and seeking His guidance. When we align our decisions, priorities, and lifestyle with His Word, we are walking in a way that pleases Him.
Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” By seeking God’s will above our own, we demonstrate humility and dependence on Him.
5. Live a Life of Gratitude and Worship
Another way to please God is through a heart of gratitude and worship. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” When we live with an attitude of gratitude, we acknowledge God’s goodness, even in difficult circumstances. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to the many blessings God has already given us.
Worship is also central to a life that pleases God. Worship is not just about singing songs on Sunday—it’s about living every day in awe and reverence of God. Romans 12:1 tells us to offer our bodies as a “living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” When we surrender our lives to God in worship, we are living in a way that honors and pleases Him.
Conclusion
Pleasing God is not about perfection, but about a heart that seeks Him, trusts Him, and walks in His ways. Faith, obedience, love, seeking His will, and living with gratitude are all ways to live a life that pleases God. As we seek to please Him in all things, we will experience the joy and fulfillment of living in harmony with His purpose for our lives.
“So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.” — 2 Corinthians 5:9 (NIV)
Amen.