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“"Part 4 of Paul's Job Description: in Purity and Sincere Love"”

Thoughts for Today:

[We are in a section in which Paul lists the qualities and situations in which he demonstrated his qualifications for ministry.]

Purity is one of the most essential qualities for all Christians to demonstrate. Especially for those actively involved in ministry. Purity involves what we actually do, but it is also referring to our motives. Every one of us will make mistakes, even those who should know better; however if our hearts and motives are pure, we will find people are a lot more forgiving of our mistakes.

I find it interesting Paul places "purity" with "understanding". Notice purity comes first. (1 Corinthians 8:1: We know that we all possess knowledge. But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.") In other words, without the right motive (or from a position of purity), any of us can use a sterile understanding of God's Word like a club -- to beat other people into submission. That's why patience and kindness need to follow knowledge.

So how does it fit together and actually happen? It certainly doesn't come from us, but rather through the power of the Holy Spirit who gives us the ability to love other people sincerely. The Holy Spirit is also the source of all these qualities. We can't do it on our own. It absolutely takes an act of God to manifest these virtues in humanity.

Questions to Ponder:

Can you use a little more purity in your life? What is God speaking to you about now? What motivates your desire to serve? Is your heart pure? Have you tried and failed? Ask the Lord to provide the power of His Holy Spirit. He is faithful, just, and the source of all purity and sincere love. Will you trust Him?

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.