Definition and Importance
Purity of motives refers to the sincerity and integrity of one's intentions, particularly in the context of one's relationship with God and others. It is the alignment of one's inner desires with the will and character of God, ensuring that actions are not merely outwardly righteous but are driven by genuine love, faith, and obedience.

Biblical Foundation
The Bible places significant emphasis on the purity of motives, highlighting that God is not only concerned with outward actions but also with the heart's intentions. In 1 Samuel 16:7, the Lord tells Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart." This verse underscores that God evaluates the heart's condition, not just external actions.

Teachings of Jesus
Jesus Christ frequently addressed the issue of motives in His teachings. In the Sermon on the Mount, He warns against practicing righteousness for the sake of human approval: "Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:1). Here, Jesus emphasizes that true righteousness is motivated by a desire to please God rather than to gain human recognition.

Pharisees and Hypocrisy
The Pharisees are often cited as examples of individuals whose motives were impure. Jesus criticized them for their hypocrisy, as they performed religious duties to be seen by others rather than out of genuine devotion to God. In Matthew 23:27-28, Jesus says, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness."

Apostolic Teachings
The apostles also addressed the importance of pure motives. In 1 Corinthians 4:5, Paul writes, "Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God." This passage highlights that God will ultimately reveal and judge the true intentions behind human actions.

Practical Implications
Believers are called to examine their motives continually, ensuring that their actions stem from a heart aligned with God's will. In James 4:3, the apostle warns, "And when you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures." This serves as a reminder that even in prayer, the purity of one's motives is crucial.

Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in purifying believers' motives. As the Spirit works within, He transforms hearts and aligns desires with God's purposes. Galatians 5:16-17 encourages believers to "walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh."

Conclusion
While a conclusion is not provided, the exploration of purity of motives in the Bible reveals its critical role in the life of a believer. The Scriptures consistently call for an inward transformation that aligns one's heart with God's will, ensuring that actions are driven by genuine love and faith.