We must serve with good will, work as good workers under good conduct and with love as if it were for the Lord.
We must respect and give our best in our work, with this we give an example that we serve a God who gives us strength and in this way we demonstrate His example and love.
Verse 5 of chapter 6 of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he calls servants to obey their earthly masters with fear and trembling, and with great will, as for Christ:
With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
Ephesians 6:7
This chapter clearly tells us about obedience, that if we are obedient, whether we are servants or free, we serve not to please men, but from the heart, doing the will of God, so that we receive the blessings of our Lord.
But we can also note what the author recommends to the masters, that they also do the same with their servants, that they treat them with love, that they see their rectitude, their honesty and their willingness to work.
Brothers, let us also act of good will, just as the apostle Paul recommends, let us be good servants in what we do, let us show that we are children of God. God is pleased with these things, so let us serve in that way.
When the apostle Paul speaks about service, he is not limiting his words only to the context of slavery or labor as it was known in his time. His exhortation goes much deeper and reaches every area of our daily lives. Today, many of us serve as employees, employers, professionals, technicians, teachers, or workers in different fields, and the principle remains the same: everything we do must be done as if it were directly for the Lord.
Serving with good will means that our attitude matters as much as our actions. It is not enough to simply fulfill our duties; we must do so with integrity, responsibility, and a heart willing to honor God. When we work with honesty and dedication, we reflect the character of Christ before others, even in environments where faith is not openly spoken about.
Paul emphasizes that service should not be motivated by the desire to please people or gain recognition. Many times, human approval becomes the driving force behind our efforts, but Scripture reminds us that our true reward comes from God. When our service is sincere and done from the heart, God sees it, values it, and blesses it in His perfect timing.
Likewise, obedience plays a fundamental role in our testimony as believers. Obedience does not mean blind submission to injustice or wrongdoing, but rather a respectful and faithful attitude within the responsibilities entrusted to us. By being obedient in what is right, we show maturity, discipline, and trust in God’s authority over our lives.
The apostle also speaks directly to those who have authority, reminding them that they too are under the authority of God. Masters, leaders, and employers are called to act with fairness, compassion, and respect. God does not show favoritism, and He expects everyone to act with justice, regardless of their position or status.
This teaching invites us to reflect on how we treat others in our workplaces and daily interactions. Are we patient? Are we just? Do we recognize the value and effort of those who serve alongside us? When love and respect guide our relationships, harmony and peace are strengthened, and God is glorified.
Serving with good will also helps us endure difficult situations. There are moments when work becomes heavy, recognition is lacking, or circumstances feel unfair. In those times, remembering that we ultimately serve the Lord gives us strength and perseverance. Our labor is not in vain when it is offered to God.
Finally, let us remember that being good servants is not limited to our jobs or responsibilities, but extends to our service in the church, in our families, and in our communities. Every act of service, no matter how small it may seem, has value before God when it is done with love and sincerity.
May we live each day with this conviction in our hearts: that by serving faithfully and with good will, we honor God, bless others, and grow spiritually. Let our lives be a testimony that reflects the grace, humility, and obedience that Christ has taught us.