That Intent Thing Again

You wrote:

If it helps you then great, but unfortunately I think that this is a cop out. Take the example of a parent and child. The parent can do all the right things for the child, every action of the parent can be good for the child, best schools, best food, attention, money etc. But that child will damn well know if that parent really loves them or not.

And by that I presume you mean the parent has failed to provide the things money can't buy -- time, nurturing and sincerity of interest in the child. There are many parents like that. And I'm sure there are many children who believe their parents don't really love them.

My response would be: you are applying a very literal reading to the definition "act with intent to do what is good and right." A parent who simply provides the material comforts but fails to provide the emotional supports is not doing what's right and good, particularly in a parenting role. A parent who spends time with their child but does so grudgingly, as through gritted teeth, is lacking sincerity of intent.

That is why I have argued for the importance of the word "intent" in that definition. If the definition was merely "doing what is right and good" then it could easily be just like what is portrayed in the Bible as what God detests -- empty-hearted gestures.

Intent carries with it the notion of motivation; what is behind the action.

I am well aware of the challenge involved in generating true, sincere intent to do what is right and good for someone I do not like. I am well aware of the Lord's role in re-shaping the inclination of my heart -- provided I allow it -- so that the sincerity is there.

It is, for most, a process of deliberate effort aimed at forming the character as a habit. Early efforts may well be carried out with the lack of true sincerity, but with an eye cast down the road on being the person Christ would have us be. We get back to the fullness of the Golden Rule -- love the Lord first and foremost, then love your neighbor as yourself. I personally doubt anyone can really do the latter if they don't first commit to striving for the former.