What does the Bible say about the importance of intentions?

The Bible places substantial emphasis on the importance of intentions, recognizing that the motivations behind our actions are as significant as the actions themselves. This principle is woven throughout both the Old and New Testaments, underscoring the necessity of aligning our hearts with God's will and striving for purity in our thoughts and desires.

In the Old Testament, the prophet Samuel conveys a profound truth about God's perspective on human intentions. When Samuel is sent to anoint a new king of Israel, he initially assumes that Jesse's eldest son, Eliab, is the chosen one due to his impressive appearance. However, God corrects him, saying, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7, NIV). This passage highlights that God prioritizes the condition of our hearts over external appearances, emphasizing the value of our inner intentions.

Similarly, King David, despite his many faults, is often referred to as "a man after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14). This designation underscores that David's deep, genuine desire to follow and honor God was paramount in God's eyes, even when his actions sometimes fell short. David's heartfelt repentance and sincere intentions to seek God's forgiveness and guidance were crucial aspects of his relationship with God.

In the New Testament, Jesus further amplifies the significance of intentions in his teachings. During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addresses the issue of intentions explicitly. He teaches that righteousness is not merely about outward compliance with the law but also about the inward purity of heart. For instance, in Matthew 5:21-22, Jesus says, "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment." Here, Jesus equates harboring anger with committing murder, illustrating that the intentions behind our actions are critically important.

Furthermore, Jesus emphasizes the significance of intentions in matters of worship and charity. In Matthew 6:1-4, he warns against practicing righteousness in front of others to be seen by them, saying, "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." Jesus teaches that the true value of our actions lies in the sincerity of our intentions rather than the external recognition we receive.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the importance of intentions in his letters. In 1 Corinthians 13, often referred to as the "Love Chapter," Paul eloquently describes the supremacy of love as a guiding principle for Christian conduct. He writes, "If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing" (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). Here, Paul underscores that even the most extraordinary actions are meaningless if they are not motivated by genuine love and compassion.

The Bible also provides numerous examples of individuals whose intentions were pivotal in their relationship with God. One such example is the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11. This couple sold a piece of property and brought part of the proceeds to the apostles, pretending to donate the entire amount. Their intention was to deceive and gain recognition, but Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, exposed their deceit. As a result, both Ananias and Sapphira fell dead. This dramatic account serves as a stark reminder that God is deeply concerned with the authenticity of our intentions.

Another instructive example is found in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, recounted in Luke 18:9-14. Jesus tells of two men who went to the temple to pray. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, "God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get." In contrast, the tax collector stood at a distance, would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner." Jesus concludes, "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." This parable illustrates that God values humility and sincere repentance over self-righteousness and outward displays of piety.

The importance of intentions is also reflected in the concept of the "Great Commandment" that Jesus articulates in Matthew 22:37-40. When asked which is the greatest commandment in the Law, Jesus replies, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." These commandments emphasize that our primary intentions should be to love God wholeheartedly and to extend that love to others. The authenticity of our love for God and our neighbors is the foundation of genuine Christian living.

In addition to scriptural teachings, Christian literature and theological writings have also explored the significance of intentions. For instance, in his classic work "The Imitation of Christ," Thomas à Kempis writes, "Man sees the deed, but God knows the intention. The intention with which a thing is done is what makes it good or bad." This statement echoes the biblical principle that the moral quality of our actions is determined by the intentions behind them.

John Bunyan, in his allegory "The Pilgrim's Progress," illustrates the journey of a Christian named Pilgrim who seeks to reach the Celestial City. Throughout his journey, Pilgrim encounters various characters and challenges that test his intentions and resolve. Bunyan's narrative emphasizes that the purity of Pilgrim's intentions and his unwavering commitment to follow God's path are crucial to his ultimate success.

In conclusion, the Bible unequivocally teaches that intentions are of paramount importance in the eyes of God. While our actions are significant, they are deeply intertwined with the motivations and desires of our hearts. God calls us to cultivate pure intentions, grounded in love, humility, and a sincere desire to honor Him. As we strive to align our hearts with God's will, we are reminded that true righteousness flows from the authenticity of our intentions, reflecting the transformative power of God's grace in our lives.