Is there a bright beam of light shining out from you? Can the world see your radiance? The light of the body is the eye. If your eye is focused on God and His Word, then the whole body will be filled with light. (Matthew 6: 22-23) Do you find yourself easily offended by others? It's easy to see faults in others, isn't it? Jesus is very direct about judging others for their actions either directed towards you or others. Instead of even considering someone's mistake, you should first be mindful of any darkness within you! (Matthew 7: 3-5) Ouch! That's a tough nut to crack! After all, would you like to be told your character flaws, attitudes and faults are worse than those of the person who constantly offends you? Let me encourage you.
Even Paul was doing all the wrong things he tried so hard not to do! He explains that when you do things you do not want to do it is not you who sins, but the sin that is in you. That's because there are two opposite laws at work in you. Even though you may be walking in the Spirit, the law of sin and death is still working in your body. The two are constantly at war with one another! But, don't give up! The law of sin is in your body; but the law of the Spirit is expressed through your mind! (Rom.
7: 19-25) The mind is the battleground for the soul. Thoughts of past hurts flood the mind every time you feel wronged by someone. If you don't check those thoughts right away, they will stir up anger, resentment and eventually hatred. They work on your emotions, reminding you how you've been hurt and why you have the right to feel the way you do. But, (yes, with God there is always a "but," a way of escape out of every situation!) if the Spirit of the Living God lives inside you, then you are free from the law of sin and death! (Rom. 8: 2) My friend, it is of utmost importance to check your thoughts constantly! Are they of God, or is the evil one seducing your feelings? "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
" It is sobering to know that God loves your enemy as much as He loves you! B entertaining thoughts of hurt, you're in reality rating yourself more important than another. Can you see how the moment you catch yourself thinking thoughts like: 'how dare he/she do that to me?' pride comes into play? Therefore, replace those thoughts with God's thoughts. Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but be kind to each other in brotherly love, in honor preferring one another! (Rom. 12: 2,3,10) God has given you only one law: "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." That law is not to cause you further hardships. It is there to protect you! Every time you attack someone by word, thought or deed, you take the risk of dragging both of you down and out of the blessings of God! Therefore, endeavor to walk in the Spirit, and replace each hurtful, wrong thought with God's Words of love and peace for your life.
The fruit of the Spirit is: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. (Gal. 5: 14,15,22) As you practice walking in the Spirit in faith, rejoicing in hope, patiently enduring, and submitting everything in prayer, then you will learn to bless those who hurt you and overcome evil with good! (Rom.
12: 12-21) God is the ultimate Judge of all, and He looks at the fruit! (Rom. 14: 12) He has made the sacrifice that makes you well able to overcome. You are more than a conqueror through Him who loves you! (Rom. 8:37) He is your beam of light.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Mat. 5: 16).
Ann Stewart is the author of "With Wings As Eagles," It motivates, inspires and encourages others to stand victoriously in their trials. http://www.lifealteringwords.com/with-wings-as-eagles Her inspirational newsletter: http://www.lifealteringwords.com
