What does it mean that God acts 'of His own will'?

The phrase 'of His own will,' found in James 1:18, indicates that God's actions are not contingent upon human decisions or actions, but rather stem from His sovereign authority. This underscores the distinctiveness of God's will, as seen in passages such as Romans 9:16, which asserts, 'So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy.' God's independent will demonstrates His supremacy and highlights the grace involved in salvation, as it is solely God's choice to redeem and restore His people.