The Motives of Our Hearts

September 4, 2026 // Friday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s First Reading: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

Reflect on the Word //

Raised voices came from the kitchen, a sound of bickering yet again: a frequent sound in a home full of teenage girls. As their mother, I found myself criticizing and correcting, yet again. However, as I walked into the room, I discovered that the girls were not truly bickering, but engaged in a lively discussion. Another time, what seemed like a criticism from one girl to another was actually intended to be helpful (though unsolicited) advice. Tones of voice and intention are hard to interpret, especially among people who love each other.

In today’s First Reading, Saint Paul writes to the Corinthians about not passing judgment on others and on oneself. True charity gives the benefit of the doubt—believes that the other does not intend to hurt oneself or another with their words. The Lord, when He comes, “will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will manifest the motives of our hearts” (1 Corinthians 4:5). He knows the true intentions in each of us, the desire we have to love and be loved in return. It is just that so often, even when we try to express something with love, it comes out all wrong. But Paul states that in the end “everyone will receive praise from God” (1 Corinthians 4:5).

Sister, the Lord is so merciful to us. He sees us for who we really are and for who He calls us to be. He is the kind of Father Who sees what is good in us even when it seems impossible to find. We are meant to be like Him in how we view others and ourselves. When we repent of our wrong doings, we must also allow the Lord to show us our own goodness and let His mercy wash over us. And when we think we see sin in others, we need to show them the same mercy that is shown to us. We do not know the motives of their hearts or for what they will receive praise from God.

Relate to the Lord // Notice both your words and tone today. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you practice charity in all of your interactions.

Pray + Plan

About Susanna Spencer

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Susanna Spencer holds a master's in Theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville and is the Devotions Editor for Blessed is She. She is a freelance writer and editor and a teacher. She lives with her philosopher husband, three teen daughters, one pre-teen son, and a miracle baby girl in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She loves reading theology and novels, attending beautiful liturgies, cooking delicious food, and casually following baseball. She is the author of the Gospel Studies including Seek His Kingdom: A Meditation on Matthew , Listen to Him: A Meditation on Mark, Preach in His Name: A Meditation on Luke, and Abide in His Love: A Meditation on John. She was the contributing author and editor for our children’s devotional prayer book, Rise Up. She was the Theological Editor of the Blessed Conversations Studies. Find out more about her here.