By Marilyn Travis
I’ve heard a recurring message this week. As Christians we are united through the Holy Spirit in Christ Jesus. We are brothers and sisters in Christ, children of God, citizens of His kingdom. Wow! I know this. I’ve known it for a very long time, yet every time I stop and meditate on it for a bit I am overwhelmed with gratitude. It puts everything in perspective. I came across this message in my thoughts and dreams, on social media, in our adult Sunday School lesson, in Pat’s sermon, and in conversations with Lindly on our walks. Maybe God is trying to remind me of something!
If I truly am a child of God my words, actions, my very thoughts should reflect it. Chris Hodges, author of The Daniel Dilemma, teaches that each of us is a minister with a specific purpose, in this specific time, to make an eternal difference. God equips us to carry out His will. We just need to rely on Him and be willing. God has even given us an instruction manual – The Bible!
Romans 12:2, 9-21
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this you will heap burning coals on his head.” [This may bring him to repentance.] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
We have learned that the fruit of Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25
The Lord wants us to spread His love, showering others with the fruit of the Spirit, and in doing so we also experience the blessings that fruit brings.
Lord, help us not to be so consumed by busy lives and stressful circumstances that we fail to find time to share your love with others.
I hope you are inspired, as I was, by this rendition of They Will Know We Are Christians By Our Love, performed by Jars of Clay.
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