⁵But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

Right doctrine is essential. There were certain truths that Paul would give no quarter on. In military terms, to give quarter to prisoners meant to provide them someplace to live while imprisoned. In time this became an idiom, and it fits appropriately with describing Paul’s attitude: he would not give any provision for false teaching to live among the people of God. There can be no admixture or syncretism. The truth must remain true! We must never give it quarter. The gospel of grace is one such truth—read the book of Galatians. Justification is another. The deity of Christ. And the list goes on. The Ephesian church was commended by God for standing up to false teachers: “you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false” (Rev. 2:2).

But teaching and embracing truth, as important and essential as that is, is not the end game of faith. The Ephesian church was also reprimanded severely by God: “But I have this against you, that you have left your first love” (Rev. 2:4). If they did not return to living a life of love, then God “will remove your lampstand out of its place—unless you repent” (Rev. 2:5).

As do many Christians today, the Ephesian Christians focused on only the truth side of the equation, and not love. They fanned the flame of doctrinal teaching and conviction, but this did not lead to love. It was not that Paul had inadequately taught them. He made it clear: “the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” The end goal of doctrine is not to be people who have their doctrine right. No, the ultimate purpose of knowing and embracing right doctrine is so that we would live in love. Right doctrine should always lead to a correct knowledge and appreciation of God’s love for us. And it should, therefore, move us to greater self-sacrificing love for others. Without the necessary result of love, our doctrine is not very useful. The Lord does not give out a reward for our knowledge, but for our actions born out of love.

This love, of course, is not a sentimental or emotional feeling. It is a love arising and building on a three-fold foundation: pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith. These things can only exist if founded on the truth. If our doctrine is right, love will result. If love doesn’t result, then we should look carefully to determine where our doctrine has gotten off track. In Paul’s mind, right doctrine and genuine love are intertwined and inseparable.

Lord, I want to grow in the truth of Your love, not just in knowledge.