noun
the reason why something is done or used : the aim or intention of something
the feeling of being determined to do or achieve something
the aim or goal of a person : what a person is trying to do, become, etc.
verb
to have as one's intention or objective.
Life Questions
Many things that are created are designed for a use or purpose. What about us as humans? Do we have a purpose on this earth? What is our purpose? What is your purpose? Is it important to define and have a purpose for your life?
Having and aligning our purpose is an important theme in scripture. Here are some encouraging key verses from God's word to direct our focus and purposes.
But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.
“God is mighty, but despises no one; he is mighty, and firm in his purpose.
The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.
But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
The Lord Almighty has sworn, “Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen.
For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?
I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’
The fierce anger of the Lord will not turn back until he fully accomplishes the purposes of his heart. In days to come you will understand this.
great are your purposes and mighty are your deeds. Your eyes are open to the ways of all mankind; you reward each person according to their conduct and as their deeds deserve.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?
The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor.
It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you.
Ephesians 1:8,9 With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ,
by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace,
according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,
Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath.