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Thursday, March 12, 2020

–Walking in Wisdom- Love, the Motivating Power (Galatians 5)



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