7 Things That Pleases God: Living a Purpose-Driven Life of Alignment & Grace
- Margaret
- Sep 18
- 4 min read
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Against the backdrop of today’s distractions, where noise competes with truth and performance often overshadows purpose, one question remains timeless and essential:
What truly pleases God?
It's not about what garners applause or worldly acknowledgment, but rather what brings joy to the heart of our Creator. In a society where values change and pursuits are temporary; God continues to seek hearts that mirror His own. Pleasing Him is not about achieving perfection, but about alignment. It involves moving in harmony with His Spirit, grounded in love, humility, and purpose.
Below are seven biblical traits that please God—each one embodies His character and offers an invitation to a deeper connection with Him.
Loving God Wholeheartedly
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” — Matthew 22:37
This is the foundation. Loving God means prioritizing Him above all else, which involves not only recognizing His supreme authority in our lives but actively choosing to place Him at the center of our daily decisions and interactions. This prioritization manifests in various ways, such as dedicating time for prayer and meditation, engaging with scripture to deepen our understanding of His teachings, and participating in communal worship that fosters a sense of belonging and shared faith.
Loving Others Sacrificially
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” — Matthew 22:39
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” — John 13:35
True love costs us comfort, time, and pride. It requires us to step outside our comfort zones, embracing the discomfort that often accompanies deep emotional connections. This kind of love is not merely a fleeting feeling; it is a commitment that demands our attention and energy. When we invest our time in nurturing relationships, we often find ourselves prioritizing the needs and desires of others over our own.
Total Obedience
“If you love me, keep my commandments.” — John 14:15
“To obey is better than sacrifice.” — 1 Samuel 15:22
The Lord desires our total surrender, a complete and unwavering commitment to His will and purpose for our lives. This surrender requires a deep transformation of the heart and mind. It involves relinquishing our own desires, ambitions, and plans, and instead embracing the path that God lays out for us.
Worship in Spirit and Truth
“The true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” — John 4:23
Worship extends beyond music—it's a deep-seated stance of the heart and soul. It involves an attitude of reverence, a profound sense of awe, and a readiness to fully yield to the presence of God. True worship invites us to acknowledge God's greatness, recognizing His sovereignty and majesty in our lives. It goes beyond merely singing or engaging in rituals; it is a deliberate decision to honor God in every phase of life, whether we are in times of joy and prosperity or enduring challenges and hardship.
A Forgiving Heart
“Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” — Luke 6:37
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32
Forgiveness is liberation. It frees others and ourselves from the confines of bitterness. It mirrors the mercy we have received. By choosing to forgive, we are not just granting a pardon to those who have hurt us; we are actively freeing both them and ourselves from the stifling hold of bitterness and resentment. This act of release is like opening the door to a prison cell that has trapped our hearts and minds, letting the light of peace and healing flood in. It brings God immense joy when we forgive those who have wronged us, just as He has forgiven our own transgressions.
Being Merciful
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” — Matthew 5:7
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” — Luke 6:36
Mercy sees beyond behavior and into brokenness. It chooses compassion over condemnation and grace over judgment. Mercy serves as a bridge that connects us to one another, allowing us to see beyond the surface and into the heart of what it means to be human. It teaches us that everyone has a story, and that story often includes pain, struggle, and moments of weakness. By embracing mercy, we cultivate a culture that prioritizes healing, encourages growth, and ultimately leads to a more compassionate society where understanding prevails over judgment.
Being a Peacemaker
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” — Matthew 5:9
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy.” — Hebrews 12:14
In a world that is divided by discord, chaos, and strife, God invites His followers to build bridges rather than erect barriers. Peacemakers do not merely steer clear of conflict; they engage with it gracefully, aiming for reconciliation, healing, and truth. Peacemaking is a proactive endeavor, not a passive one. It is the ministry of restoration. When we embrace this path, heaven acknowledges us not only as believers but as sons and daughters of the Most-High God.
These seven traits invite deeper intimacy with God, serving as pathways to align with His heart rather than goals to achieve. God values inward surrender over outward displays. By loving sacrificially, forgiving freely, worshiping authentically, and walking in mercy and peace, we reflect His character and become living testimonies of His grace, carriers of His compassion, and ambassadors of His Kingdom.
And when we do these things faithfully, not just in moments of inspiration, but in the quiet, unseen rhythms of daily life, we become vessels to be used for His glory.
Let us journey not seeking applause but seeking alignment. Not for recognition, but for revelation. Not striving for perfection but embracing presence. For when our lives reflect the heart of God, we do more than just live, we minister.
Thank you for reading!
I remain Yours in the Faith
Margaret (MKO)
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