LET LOVE BE YOUR MOTIVATION
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
The scripture says in 1 Corinthians 16:14, “Let love and kindness be the motivation behind all that you do”. That is the summary of the life we are meant to live as Christians. Whatever you do or think should come from a place of love. We often desire to be used mightily by God. We want him to do the miraculous through us. We desire to be able to offer prayers that heal the sick and change situations at the snap of our fingers, to have faith that moves mountain. We can actually do lots and lots of very great things “for God”, but if it is done without love, they just become show-offs that we do for ourselves. In 1 Corinthians 13, the scripture reminds us to let God’s love be our priority, motivating our intentions, attitudes and actions.
![]()
Intention is very important as it clarifies purpose and direction; influences decision-making and actions; reflects personal values and characters; impacts consequences and outcomes as well as determines accountability and responsibility. Even in legal parlance, it is called mens rea, Latin for “guilty mind,” which refers to the intention or state of mind behind a person’s actions. It distinguishes between intentional and unintentional harm, determines culpability and accountability; influences moral and legal judgement. It can be the basis for conviction in criminal law, liability and damages in Tort and enforceability in contract law.
![]()
![]()
![]()
God also wants us to be motivated by love. Love should be the reason why you do all that you do. Your giving should be done out of love not because you want to be praised and seen to be a giver. Your work in the Church should be because you love the Lord not because you want the pastorate and members to see how faithful you are. Your attendance at Church services and programmes should not be motivated by obligation but because you desire to be in God’s presence. Just like Paul said if all you seemingly do for God is not done out of love, then it’s a waste! May your service in God’s vineyard not be a waste.
PRAYER: Lord, let my attitudes and actions be love motivated rather than self-motivated
