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 13:3
“One praises God because He is mighty, another because He is gracious, yet another solely because He is essential goodness. The first is a slave and fears for himself; the second is greedy, desiring further benefits; but the third is a son who honors his Father.
He who fears, he who profits, are both concerned about self-interest. Only in the son is that charity which seeketh not her own (I Corinthians 13:5). Wherefore I take this saying, ‘The law of the Lord is an undefiled law, converting the soul’ (Psalm 19:7) to be of charity; because charity alone is able to turn the soul away from love of self and of the world to pure love of God.
Neither fear nor self-interest can convert the soul. They may change the appearance, perhaps even the conduct, but never the object of supreme desire. Sometimes a slave may do God’s work; but because he does not toil voluntarily, he remains in bondage. So a mercenary may serve God, but because he puts a price on his service, he is enchained by his own greediness.
For where there is self-interest there is isolation; and such isolation is like the dark corner of a room where dust and rust befoul. Fear is the motive which constrains the slave; greed binds the selfish man, by which he is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed (James 1:14). But neither fear nor self-interest is undefiled, nor can they convert the soul. Only charity can convert the soul, freeing it from unworthy motives.”
Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) in On Loving God (Grand Rapids: CCEL), p. 27.
Today’s post looks at our motives. Our Scripture verse reminds us that it is needful for us to make sure our generosity is motivated by love.
Too often we can be motivated by self-interest, by benefits, and by other unworthy motives.
Bernard would say that we need to convert our soul. We need to assess our motivations, including what motivates our giving, and abandon any unworthy motivations that might render our generosity meaningless.
If we don’t have love, our generosity is a waste of time and resources.
God, purify us from unworthy motives. Free us from greed, selfishness, and desires that seek to defile our deeds. Convert our souls so that our living, giving, and serving is saturated with love. Amen.