14 Bible Verses about Motives, Examples Of

Some, indeed, preach the Christ, because of envy and a contentious disposition, and some because of good-will. These do it from love, because they know that I am set for the defense of the gospel; those preach Christ from a contentious disposition, not sincerely, thinking that they will add affliction to my bonds.read more.
What difference does this make? Christ is, nevertheless, preached in every way, whether in pretense or in truth; and in this I rejoice, yes, and I will rejoice:

But Jesus Christ was begotten thus: After his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they had come together, she was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not choosing to make an example of her, intended to put her away privately. But while he was thinking of these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying: Joseph, son of David, fear not to take home Mary your wife; for that which is begotten in her is of the Holy Spirit.

Then Herod, when he had secretly called the Magi, inquired of them strictly at what time the star, then visible, first made its appearance: and sending them to Bethlehem, he said: Go, make strict inquiry for the young child: and when you have found him, bring me word, that I also may go and do him homage. When they had heard the king, they departed; and lo, the star, which they had seen in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over the place where the young child was.read more.
And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with very great joy. And having come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother; and falling down, they did him homage. And when they had opened their treasures, they offered to him gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed into their own country by another way. When they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying: Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be there till I bring you word; for Herod is about to seek for the young child, to destroy him.

Then said one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, who was about to deliver him up: Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred denarii, and given to the poor? But he said this, not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the purse, and took what was put in it.

For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, whose mouths must be stopped: these subvert whole houses by teaching, for the sake of base gain, things which they ought not to teach.

And he that sent me is with me. The Father has not left me alone, because I always do what is pleasing to him.

Jesus said to them: My food is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

For I came down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him that sent me.

Wherefore, when he comes into the world, he says: Sacrifice and offering thou hast not desired, but a body thou hast prepared me; in whole burnt-offerings and offerings for sin, thou hast had no pleasure. Then, said I, Behold, I come, (in the roll of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, God.

For our exhortation arose not from deception, nor from uncleanness, nor was it with guile; but as God had judged us worthy to be intrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God, who tries our hearts. For neither nattering words did we at any time use, as you know, nor a pretext for covetousness; God is witness:read more.
nor did we seek glory from men, neither from you nor from others; though we could have been burdensome as the apostles of Christ.

For we do not, as the many, adulterate the word of God; but, as from sincerity, but, as from God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

For this reason we also endeavor, whether we remain in the body or depart from it, to be acceptable to him. For we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ, that each may receive his reward for the things done in his body, according to what he has done, whether good or evil. Knowing, then, the fearful judgment of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest to God. I hope, indeed, that we are also made manifest in your consciences.read more.
We do not again commend ourselves to you, but give you an occasion to boast of us, that you may be able to answer those who glory in appearance, and not in heart.

Yet you have done well in contributing to the relief of my affliction. Now you Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church contributed to me so that I kept an account of giving and receiving, but you only. For even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent once and again to aid me in my need.read more.
Not that I seek a gift; but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus your gifts, a sweet odor, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.

But if this, my life in the flesh, would be profitable for my work in the ministry, verily, what I should choose I know not. I am in a strait between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better: yet to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.read more.
And of this I feel assured, that I shall remain and continue among you all for your advancement and joy in the faith, that your rejoicing in Christ Jesus may be come more abundant through me by my being present among you again.