1 John 3:23-24 KJV
And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
We are spiritual beings, housed in a physical body. It is important to consider this when we think about how we love God and others. I suspect that many of the things we do in our physical body affect our spirit but we rarely think on this. Physical, financial and societal pains may not necessarily impact our spirit. They do impact our soul, where our emotions filter. How long is something endured and dwelt on before it impacts our spirit? Does everything affect our spirit?
There are somethings that the Bible clearly point to as affecting both our soul and spirit. Idolatry and sexual sin make the top of the list(Romans 1:21-27). They are described as sin that is brought into ourself. Yes, corruption to the core.
Interesting side notes:
a. I added Idolatry because throughout the scriptures it is closely connected with fornication and perverse sexual practices. Many against children, orphans and widows.
b. In all instances victims, being those exercised upon though not consenting, are not addressed. The only thing we know is that God will avenge for them.
I do not believe everything affects our spirit. The things we bring into us, dwell on with consistency, things that are very emotional for long periods of time, affect our spirit. This is why words are so important. Some words cut and slash people to their very spirit. We think and think about what we hear, some we internalize. I think this is why Jesus makes the point about hindering children.(Luke 17:2)
Pondering this should bring us to the realization that our spirit must love God, this is the only way that we can love the brethren beyond words and works.
This particular chapter calls Christians to love the LORD and love the brethren, “in deed and truth”(3:18). The truth comes with the effect on our spirit from God. This is the reason that our life changes. We become a new creature, when we totally surrender our spirit to Jesus. He gives us a new spirit, that loves truth and life. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”(2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV) Our new spirit longs to be close with Jesus. We now want what Jesus wants. We want to have the LORD smile on us and we long to have Him close. We abhor lies and death, we do not fear them.
We are in the Holiday Season. We should be filled with wonder and awe that the Lord of the universe became human, so we could know He is with us. He loves us enough to reduce Himself, to live and suffer, as we do. He came to teach us how to live successfully, how to love, how to give and forgive. Jesus taught us how to trust God and live unafraid. The celebration of Christmas is just that, a celebration. Do not get caught up in the arguments of who started it or all that. Just make sure that we use our time to focus on the reason we are celebrating. Others can use their time how they wish.
Let us challenge one another to love with deeds in truth. This season, we see the world around us crumbling under enslaving economies and unreasonable mandates forced by deceitful, self-serving agents of evil. We are longing for relief and looking for rapture. We have a command, “Be not deceived,”(Galatians 6:7). Untruth always leads to misery. Deeds done by a false spirit are gifts given without love.
Yet, having the spirit of Jesus should have us praying for mercy. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.(2 Peter 3:9 KJV)” If the rapture is to happen, we know that our part in saving humanity is over. Most of those, who remain as unbelievers, will be lost for eternity. Our hearts should hurt for them. Our spirit should be vexed with the urgency to reach every one with the gospel of Jesus. We should be committed to help the brethren through these difficult times and praying for those suffering.
This Christmas let your spirit shine beyond words, love the brethren and be merciful toward those still unbelieving.
The spirit of believers makes the difference in the judgement of our LORD. We see in the Old Testament, the judgment of the Lord can be held off by the prayers of believers. Eventually, God’s judgement will come, but for now, we must pray for mercy because we have the spirit of Jesus. He longs for as many people to be saved as will be. So should we! Pray for mercy until the rapture.
Mickey Kyler
