THE ULTIMATE MOTIVE OF THE REDEEMED
“If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”
1 Corinthians 13:3 NIV
The love that God is—by His very nature—is selfless.
It does not act with hidden agendas or self-interest. It moves purely in truth and expresses itself through compassion.
In our theme verse, Paul presents an act that may seem noble and commendable outwardly. Yet, he reveals that even such a sacrifice can amount to nothing if it’s not rooted in genuine love. Why? Because God sees beyond the action—He searches the heart and weighs our motives (Jeremiah 17:10).
As children of God, it’s good to do what we know by Scripture and spiritual conviction to be right. But even more important is the heart behind it. Our ultimate aim should be that the love of God is felt and revealed through us to others. 1 Peter 3:15 urges us to set apart Christ as Lord in our hearts.
It is from this place of reverence that our lives become a testimony, pointing to the One in whom we believe. Praise God.
Prayer: Father, I thank you for this truth. By your grace and the working of your Spirit in me, may my motives remain pure—mirroring my Master, who did only what He saw You do. Let all I do reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name. Amen.
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• 1 Peter 3:15
• Proverbs 23:26
• Romans 8:35
