1 Timothy 1:5 Now the goal of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
You've probably heard it said that sometimes you just have to "agree to disagree" which requires to move beyond the argument realizing that there is more to life, more to a relationship, more to life than winning at all costs.
In today's verse Paul makes it clear that the goal of his ministry is to love. Think of how far Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit had led Paul. He had been persecuting Christians, dragging them off to trial and punishment. Now, he has been converted, sees the new way. If he is to win converts to Christ, he must do so by showing the love of Christ.
When you see the polarization in society, in politics and even within denominations in the church you see a lack of concern for the common good, for serving let alone loving one another.
As we consider our lives as Christians, when we consider our ministries, love, the love of Christ should be at the core, a love that flows from a pure heart, with a good conscience out of a sincere faith. When this occurs there will be more bridge building and less wall building in our homes, churches and overflowing into the community.
1 Timothy 1:1-5
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Greeting
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope:
2 To Timothy, my true son in the faith.
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the[a] Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
False Doctrine and Misuse of the Law
3 As I urged you when I went to Macedonia, remain in Ephesus so that you may instruct certain people not to teach different doctrine 4 or to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies. These promote empty speculations rather than God's plan, which operates by faith. 5 Now the goal of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.
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