Our Motives MatterNäide

Day 4: The Love Filter

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:3 NIV – “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.”

We can do the most sacrificial, awe-inspiring acts imaginable—give away everything, endure hardship, even die for a cause—and still miss the mark if love isn't our motive. Paul doesn’t diminish the actions themselves; he challenges the heart behind them. Without love, we gain nothing.

This is sobering. It means motive matters more than motion. Love is the filter through which all spiritual action must pass. Without it, even our most impressive deeds become noise—empty and unfruitful.

The early church in Corinth struggled with this. They had gifts, boldness, and energy, but Paul reminded them: none of it counted without love. And love isn’t just a feeling—it’s a motive. It’s the reason behind our giving, our service, our leadership, our sacrifice.

So many things can drive us: guilt, fear, pride, duty. But only love reflects the heart of God. Jesus was moved by compassion. He taught, healed, forgave, and ultimately gave His life—not out of obligation, but from deep, divine love.

Today, before you serve, speak, or give—pause and ask: Am I doing this because of love? Let love be the lens. Let it refine your motive. If you feel your heart slipping into performance or pressure, invite God to reset you. Motives rooted in love will always bear lasting fruit.

Prayer:
Father, let love be the reason I do everything. Strip away any motive driven by pride, fear, or selfishness. Let my actions be an overflow of Your love in me. Help me to reflect Jesus—not just in what I do, but in why I do it. May love always be my motive. In Jesus’ name, Amen.