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.