A Pure Heart, A Good Conscience, and a Sincere Faith

“The purpose of the command is love, which comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.”

— 1 Timothy 1:5

I read this verse the other day, and it stood out to me in a fresh way. Paul reminds us that the goal of all God’s instruction — everything He asks of us — is love. Not surface-level love or love that depends on circumstances, but love that flows from within: from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.

A pure heart means constantly checking our motives and intentions — asking ourselves, “Why am I doing this?” and “Who am I trying to please?”

A good conscience means being aware of our sin patterns and choosing to live in freedom rather than bondage.

And a sincere faith means trusting God completely — not just with our words, but with our actions. After all, “faith without works is dead” (James 2:17).

These three — a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith — are beautiful in theory, but they’re refined in the fire of real life.

For instance, it's one thing to say we trust God; it’s another to live it when fear creeps in. I know that struggle well.

For a long time, I wrestled with fear — fear about my children’s safety, fear over finances, fear about my health and what might go wrong. I’ve wasted too many days worrying about things that God was already working out behind the scenes. Yet even in my fear, God was faithful.

EVERY SINGLE TIME, He made a way!

When my oldest was born, I was in a very tight financial season. One week, we literally had no food except a jar of peanut butter. I could have called family for help, but pride told me not to. I decided I’d just buy a loaf of bread and live on peanut butter sandwiches until payday. But my heart wasn’t grateful — I was frustrated and complaining to God.

Looking back, I can clearly see how that moment revealed all three areas Paul talked about. My heart wasn’t pure — pride was keeping me from humbling myself and asking for help. My conscience wasn’t good — I was complaining instead of being thankful. And my faith wasn’t sincere — I wasn’t trusting God to provide.

That same day, there was a knock at my door. A lady from church stood there and said, “I don’t know why, but I felt like God told me to bring you something.” She led me to her van and it was loaded down with groceries and household supplies. She said, "I hope you need food." I invited her inside, showed her my lonely jar of peanut butter, and we both cried.

She was blessed because she realized she had truly heard God’s voice. I was blessed — and humbled — as I repented for my complaining and pride, realizing once again that God is always faithful!

That’s what sincere faith looks like. It’s not just believing that God can provide — it’s trusting that He will, even when the pantry looks empty and the future feels uncertain.

A pure heart keeps us honest before God.

A good conscience keeps us free from guilt.

Sincere faith keeps us anchored in His love.

God is always on time. He is always enough. He is working for our good.

Reflection

Ask yourself today:

• Is my heart pure in its motives?

• Is my conscience clear before God?

• Is my faith sincere — proven in action, not just intention?

Lord, search my heart today. Purify my motives, quiet my conscience, and strengthen my faith. Forgive me for the moments I’ve doubted Your goodness or relied on my own strength. Help me to trust You fully — to live with a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith that reflects Your love in all I do. Amen.