Philippians 2:13 English Standard Version (ESV) for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Every time I read or think about Philippians 2:13 I hear “for my name’s sake” at the end. I know the quote, I know those words are not part of that verse. I still hear it. This causes me to think a little deeper into why God does what He does in me. Yes it is to my benefit but the motive behind the will goes much deeper than just His unending grace.

Isaiah 48:11 English Standard Version (ESV) For my own sake, for my own sake, I do it, for how should my name be profaned? My glory I will not give to another.

There are passages within the bible that work together to allow us to understand God’s perfect love. When we come to an understanding of who we are in His Kingdom then the motive becomes clearer.

Revelation 21:2 English Standard Version (ESV) And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

While we reap the benefits of grace it is the Lord that has a bride prepared for Him, one worthy of being called His Bride.

There is a transition from unworthy to worthy. All that God works in us is to prepare us to be worthy of His Son. Yes He loves us. I must accept and understand that Isaiah 48:11 is just as true and just as much a part of what happens in us as much as abounding grace.

Romans 14:23c English Standard Version (ESV) … For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.

That is a broad definition of sin. That says that anything we do that does not proceed from faith is sin and many will reject that definition. They will say that the law defines sin and God’s law is good and right. God’s law is just, it is true, but what of the weightier matters Jesus condemned the Pharisees for ignoring? Is it possible that ignoring the weightier matters might be considered sin?

Let us not try to identify sin and qualify it or quantify it. Let us rather look at what Paul says about faith. Faith proceeds from our relationship with God and our Lord Jesus Christ. This relationship with God and with each other is the primary concern of our loving God. Anything that hinders these relationships can be considered sin. It was just a few verses earlier that we are warned not to place a stumbling block at the feet of another believer.

What may not seem to be a hindrance to relationship with God for us, may well be a problem for others. We do not get to define these relationships for others. It is ours and ours alone.

Romans 14:22 English Standard Version (ESV) The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves.

This does not mean we can do whatever we want, it is this relationship with God that tells us what sin is for us and a problem in our relationship. This goes for our relationship with others as well. No one likes to be judged, especially by people close to us. Seek the bonds of peace.