Now the goal of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.
1 Timothy 1:5 (HCSB)
In the Old Testament, God gave commandments to the people of Israel that they had to keep and obey in every detail. In the beginning, God's purpose was to reveal the sins they constantly committed. He wanted them to turn from this life to walk in holiness. But the people did not live according to His commandments. What was the cause of this failure?
God's purpose was not for people to blindly obey the rules without knowing why. He wanted them to first realize the gravity of their sin, understand the holy nature of God, and decide for themselves to live as He desires, in love and holiness. The failure is therefore due to the fact that the people were not really interested in the will of God but rather in their covetousness and their life of debauchery.
In his instructions, Paul reveals his goal. They are not addressed only to Timothy, but to all authentic Christians. He wants us to have sincere love, not interest-based love. Love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, a sincere faith, and a deep relationship with God. The best way to develop such love is to appropriate the very nature of God by obeying his word, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
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