2 Practical Ways to Walk in God’s Will in the New Year

4. Love God with all your heart

5. Love your neighbor as yourself

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:37-38).

6. Forgive those who have wronged you

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:14-15).

7. Encourage another brother or sister in Christ

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

8. Stop grumbling and complaining

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing” (Philippians 2:14).

9. Be a better listener

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19).

10. Give to someone in need when you have the means to do it

“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” (1 John 3:17).

I only gave you ten, but there are many things God has told us about how to live, how to speak, and how to interact with each other. These are all part of his will for your life. If you just focus on doing what God has already said, you will go a long way towards walking in his will in this new year.

These may not be the glamorous things we attach to God’s plan, but these are God’s will nonetheless. When you pay attention to these things and obey them, then God will know he can trust you with bigger things.

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much” (Luke 16:111).

As we look at a new year, let this be the year you do God’s will. Whether it is a specific task or just walking in obedience to what he has already said. Doing both will help you become the person God wants you to be and accomplish what he wants you to. 

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/RyanJLane

Clarence L. Haynes Jr. is a dynamic speaker, Bible teacher, and co-founder of The Bible Study Club, dedicated to helping people live with purpose and clarity. In addition to his ministry work, Clarence has spent the last 13 years as a trusted financial educator, guiding thousands of people across the country—including employees at many Fortune 500 companies—toward lasting financial wellness. His unique ability to blend practical wisdom with spiritual insight equips people to thrive in every area of life.

He is the author of The Pursuit of Purpose, which helps readers understand how God leads them into his will, and the author of The Pursuit of Victory: How To Conquer Your Greatest Challenges and Win In Your Christian Life. Clarence is also committed to helping 10,000 people learn how to study the Bible and has released his first course, Bible Study Basics, to achieve that goal. To learn more about his ministry and resources, please visit clarencehaynes.com.