Love and Sound Doctrine

Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 1:3-7

As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. The aim or our charge is love that issues from a pure heart of a good conscience and a sincere faith. Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.

The idea that love and sound doctrine can’t mix is far from biblical. Often, we’re pressured to choose between truth and love, but here Paul explains that his aim in defending true doctrine is, ultimately, love. True love doesn’t leave people in harmful beliefs; it seeks their good by pointing to God’s truth. False teachings might sound appealing but lead to empty discussions and misguided lives. When we correct in love, we aim for others’ good, guarding them from what leads to harm and aligning with God’s desire for sincere faith.

Learn truth. Love truth. Pursue truth. Aiming for love isn’t contrary to any of that.