1 Timothy 1:5 English Standard Version (ESV) The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
Years ago it was a common teaching that love is what we aim for and if we miss the mark we hav sinned. That is a guilt trip to those who are trying their best to love others. No one should be made to feel like they have failed God just because someone tells them they “missed the mark”.
Yesterday’s last line said “It is deflection.” Once we take aim and let that arrow fly we have done everything within our power. That arrow is now at the mercy of everything in the realm of the Prince of the power of the air. It can be deflected by forces that are no longer under our control.
Do not allow others to guilt honest efforts. We took a shot.
If there is anything that needs to be corrected in the way we love, the Holy Spirit will do His part to convict us of our behavior and correct our aim.
Psalm 139:23-24 English Standard Version
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts![cares] 24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!
The footnote for thoughts was added to clarify the motivation of our thoughts, what we care about. There are nine Greek words for love and all of them are at our disposal. How we exhibit that love is more important than hitting a target we have no control over.
What if our aim was to love one person and we took aim and that love struck someone else? Is it possible that the deflection in that case served God’s will?
We should not say our aim has no effect.