1 Timothy 1:5
Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
1 Timothy 1:5
Paul states that “the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.” The goal of the commandment—whether exhortations, regulations for worship, or moral instruction—is love (charity) that flows from sincerity. Here, affection for God and neighbor is not a manufactured virtue but a genuine attitude that results from an inward transformation: a pure heart, a clear conscience, and unfeigned faith. In the context of addressing false teaching and public order, Paul reconnects the law with its ultimate aim: love grounded in truth, exercised through a transparent and authentic faith. It’s a corrective reminder that duty without heart produces religious performativity, not righteousness.
The passage highlights soteriological anthropology: true obedience flows from a renewed heart by grace. It frames Christian ethics as a response to God’s grace rather than a set of sterile requirements. The triad—pure heart, good conscience, genuine faith—illustrates the integrated life God desires: inner purity, moral integrity, and unwavering trust in Christ.
Ask yourself: Is my conduct motivated by love that comes from a sincere faith? In relationships and service, let your actions arise from a pure heart rather than appearances. When you slip, confess sincerely and return to faith that is lived out, not proclaimed. Ensure your decisions align with the truth that love is the natural expression of a heart transformed by Christ.
Cross-References: Romans 12:9-10; 1 Corinthians 13:1-3; Titus 2:11-14; 1 Peter 1:22; Hebrews 13:18.