Thursday, 19 September 2024
“And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of GOD is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]. Love is to be sincere and active [the real thing—without guile and hypocrisy]. Hate what is evil [detest all ungodliness, do not tolerate wickedness]; hold on tightly to what is good. Be devoted to one another with [authentic] brotherly affection [as members of one family], give preference to one another in honor;” – Romans 12:2, 9-10 AMP
It’s quite unfortunate that Christians have a reputation of being the unkindest and least loving people around. Lately, I’ve wondered why that is so and I realize that maybe the world expects better from us because we are representatives of Christ here on earth. However, what people do not understand is that not every Christian is truly born again of the Holy Spirit. They do not have the new nature of Christ which confirms them as Sons of GOD. So what we end up seeing, are people labeled saints but still operating in their fleshly nature which is flawed and unreformed.
Loving our fellow brethren should actually come easily for us because love is who GOD is, and if He truly lives in us then even His character flows easily through us and we do not “do” Christianity for props, but we live it in sincerity and truth. This faith walk is not about us. It’s about discipleship and bringing saints into the Kingdom. In order for us to do that, we must continually lay our own lives down for one another. We sacrifice our comfort and convenience to be there for others, and we seek GOD daily so we can be beneficial to those who also need to grow in the faith.
All this is love and an active expression of what it means to give of yourself. How much we are transformed by the Holy Spirit is proven by the level at which we love our brethren. The love has to be pure and sincere and not just in words. In everything that we do, we must glorify GOD and reflect His love in us.
“Until then, there are three things that remain: faith, hope, and love—yet love surpasses them all. So above all else, let love be the beautiful prize for which you run.” – 1 Corinthians 13:13 TPT. This is what it’s ultimately about. Spreading love on the earth and teaching humanity to be kind and loving to one another by first allowing them to experience the love of GOD that’s been poured into us. We learn how to be by the things we go through. GOD already proved His love to us by giving His one and only begotten Son to die for us sinners. Love DOES and love proves itself time without measure, and without leaving room for arguments. Even the world knows that it’s the fuel that keeps the world going.
How much we are transformed by the Holy Spirit is proven by the level at which we love our brethren. The love has to be pure and sincere and not just in words, and in all we do we must glorify GOD.
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