–Walking in Wisdom- Love, the Motivating Power (Galatians 5)
4:50 PM
Please read Galatians 5
Friday March 13th –Walking in Wisdom- Love,
the Motivating Power (Galatians 5)
Please read Galatians 5.
This whole chapter brings us to a searching
examination of ourselves.
In order to fully understand our first verse in
chapter 5, we must mention the last verse of Galatians 4: “So then, believers, we [who are born again—reborn from
above—spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose] are not
children of a slave woman [the natural], but of the free woman [the
supernatural].” (4:31)
“It was for this freedom that Christ set us free
[completely liberating us]; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject
again to a yoke of slavery [which you once removed].” (5:1)
The main question here is: what are we as Christians doing
with that “liberty”, which was bought with Jesus´ precious blood? (1 Peter 1:18-19)
Paul
also reminds us in Colossians 3: 1
“Therefore
if you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, sharing in His resurrection
from the dead], keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated
at the right hand of God. (AMP)
We often think
that our problems and difficulties are all outside of ourselves. We think that
we would not react if everyone just treated us right and if our circumstances got
better. But that is not true: the problems are in us, and we need to surrender
them completely to the Spirit of God. What we must do is yield to the Spirit of
God and begin to walk in the freedom of the Spirit.
“ For you, my brothers, were called to freedom;
only do not let your freedom become an opportunity for
the [e]sinful nature (worldliness, selfishness), but
through [f]love serve and seek the best
for one another. For
the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is fulfilled in one precept, “You shall love
your neighbor as yourself [that
is, you shall have an unselfish concern for others and do things for their
benefit].” 15 But if you bite and devour one
another [in bickering and strife], watch out that you [along with your entire
fellowship] are not consumed by one another. (5:13-14)
Yes, Jesus first said this in response to a Pharisee
who was testing Him: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the
Law?” 37 And Jesus replied to him, “‘You
shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and
with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 The second is like it, ‘You
shall love your neighbor as yourself [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher
good for others].’ 40 The whole Law and the [writings of the] Prophets depend on these two
commandments.” (Matt.22:36-40)
And at this very day we as Christians are continually
put to the test, especially with the people closest to us! It is so sad to see
so many torn relationships within families, marriages and in our churches!
It is not a matter of knowing God’s Word and Precepts,
but of putting them into practice, by putting on …”a heart of compassion, kindness,
humility, gentleness, and patience [which has the power to endure whatever
injustice or unpleasantness comes, with good temper]; 13 bearing
graciously with one another, and willingly forgiving each other if one has a
cause for complaint against another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so
should you forgive. 14 Beyond all these things put
on and wrap yourselves in [unselfish] love, which is the
perfect bond of unity [for everything is bound together in agreement when each
one seeks the best for others].” (Colossians 3:12-14)
For many years I tried to witness to my mother -who
lived thousands of miles away and alone- but we usually ended up in a discussion.
She had made her profession of faith when she was very ill with cancer, back in
2005. Almost 15 years later I was still worried about her spiritual life
because she´d never read her Bible nor attend church. I´d visit her once or
twice a year and it was always the same thing: she was always whining about her
circumstances and complained bitterly about others. I would remind her about
what the Word said regarding such matters and she´d ask me not to begin “preaching
a sermon to her” again.
This last Dec. 2019 I received her call; she had been
in the ER… she had been through a terrible back pain and lost the strength to
both of her legs. She was home now bed-ridden and had to undergo through more
medical tests. My family and I flew over to be with her. The results from the
tests were: cancer. There was nothing else to do for her, but care for her
until her time would come. This I did for the next two months. It was difficult
at first, because my concern of her “spiritual” life would show up and we would
end up in discussion.
Only through prayer, by seeking His Word, and through
the power of His Holy Spirit I could discern all she needed –beside palliative
care- was LOVE.
D.L. Moody explains this in his book “A life for
Christ”: “Difficult people being reached for Christ, only need to realize that it
is love, His love through us which reaches to them in service. The key to
unlock their hearts is love”. “… if the love of God and souls isn´t the
motivating power, the effects will all pass away like the morning cloud and
early dew”.
O how amazing our heavenly Father is!! These last few
months with momma were the best of our lives, even though we had to endure so
much pain and suffering! But His amazing Spirit was there to empower us and fill
her last days with the knowledge that she was loved and cherished! Thank you
Abba!!
“All true
Christians, being taught by the Holy Spirit, wait for eternal life, the reward
of righteousness, and the object of their hope, as the gift of God by faith in
Christ; and not for the sake of their own works.” M.Henry
0 comments