My Intentions Matter

03Learn · Reflection

Reflection

God does not only look at what we do; He also knows the intentions of our heart. Taking an honest look at our motives helps us grow with honesty and humility. It is not about being perfect, but about learning to act sincerely, even when nobody is watching what we do.

Mateus helped a classmate with a hard assignment. When they finished, several people praised him, and he felt good about it.

Later, though, while he was thinking back on what had happened, a question started forming in him: "Did I really do that to help, or so that other people would see me?" It made him stop and think. Sometimes we do good things, but our intentions can get mixed up with wanting attention, approval, or credit. We all like to feel valued, and yet God also wants to teach us to look at what is happening inside our heart.

Intentions matter, because so many of our decisions are born there first.

That is why God is not only interested in what we do, but also in the reasons behind what we do. Not to make us feel guilty, but to help us grow in sincerity and integrity.

Little by little, Mateus understood that doing good is worth even more when it comes from a genuine heart, willing to help even when nobody is looking.