The True Purpose of Christian Instruction: Cultivating Genuine Love

Examining the negative effects of forgoing genuine love in favor of rule-following, leading to division, judgment, and missed opportunities for spreading the gospel

Now the end (purpose, object, goal, the whole point) of the commandment (instruction) is charity (love) out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned (sincere, without hypocrisy): From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; (idle talk, purposeless talk, fruitless discussion, gossip) 1 Timothy 1:5–6.

The ultimate goal of Christian instruction is love.

This passage emphasizes that the purpose of Christian teaching and commandments is not merely to impart knowledge or enforce rules, but to cultivate genuine love. This love is not superficial or self-serving, but has depth and authenticity.

• A pure heart refers to motives and intentions free from selfishness or ulterior motives.

• A good conscience implies moral integrity and a sense of right and wrong aligned with God's standards.

• Sincere faith means a genuine belief and trust in God without hypocrisy.

When these three elements - pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith - come together, they produce the love that is the true aim of Christian instruction. This love is the defining characteristic of a Christian's life and relationships.

The passage also warns that some have strayed from this goal, turning instead to "vain jangling" or empty talk.

The goal is to transform believers into people who express genuine, God-centered love. This is Jesus' teaching that love is his disciples' greatest commandment and mark.

What is happening far too often?

We use doctrinal correctness as an excuse. Too many pastors and believers have wandered from love to rule-following and rule-preaching. Church leaders have sometimes focused on imparting knowledge or enforcing rules rather than cultivating love, missing the true goal of Christian teaching.

Many Christians have become embroiled in fruitless debates, empty talk, or gossip rather than focusing on meaningful spiritual growth and loving actions.

Some have used biblical laws or commandments to judge or control others rather than as tools to promote love and righteousness.

Some have failed to treat others in the church family with the respect and purity Paul and the Word of God advocate.

What happens when we lose our love

Division and a judgmental attitude take over everything.

The focus shifts from compassionate service and humble worship to self-righteousness and legalism.

The church loses its mission of spreading the gospel, love, and compassion and becomes a place of hypocrisy and alienation.

Christians and churches fail to focus on love, forgiveness, and service.

Churches become more focused on outward appearances and activities rather than fostering a deep, loving relationship with God and one another.

Believers may feel that as long as they perform basic good deeds, they are fulfilling their Christian obligations, neglecting the deeper call to love.

Relationships within the church can become transactional rather than relational, fostering an environment of criticism and judgment rather than grace and understanding.

A church that lacks love struggles to witness to the world effectively.

This love is a love for all, not just your friends. It includes the unlovely.

What are we to do?

Return to Jesus's foundational teachings about love, compassion, forgiveness, and service.

Practice forgiveness and reconciliation. Actively work to mend broken relationships within the church community through forgiveness and grace.

Church leaders and influential members can lead by example by demonstrating love, empathy, and compassion in their interactions, inspiring and influencing the rest of the congregation.

Acknowledge where they have drifted.

Return to the practices that nurtured their love initially.