“Conquer evil by doing good” Ro 12:21 It’s easy to forget why God saved you, what He’s called you to do, and how you’re supposed to live. So here’s a memo from heaven: “Don’t just pretend that you love others: really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of good. Love each other with brotherly affection and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work but serve the Lord enthusiastically. Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and prayerful always. When God’s children are in need, you be the one to help them out…If someone mistreats you…pray that God will bless him. When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow. Work happily together. Don’t try to act big. Don’t try to get into the good graces of important people, but enjoy the company of ordinary folks. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil for evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honest clear through. Don’t quarrel with anyone. Be at peace with everyone, just as much as possible…never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God, for he has said that he will repay those who deserve it…Instead, feed your enemy if he is hungry. If he is thirsty give him something to drink and you will be ‘heaping coals of fire on his head.’ In other words, he will feel ashamed of himself for what he has done to you. Don’t let evil get the upper hand but conquer evil by doing good”
Colin Markham (Copiy n Paste From The Linkedin Group, "Walking With Christ")
Devine, you've hit the nail on the head. The Beatitudes deserve careful study (Mt 5.1-12). 'Blessed are the poor in spirit' points to the attitude of humility we need to realize the limitations of human knowledge and strength and our utter dependence on God. A useful exercise is to think of antitheses to all the Beatitudes. The opposite of humility is pride, and pride is a sign of rebellion, a turning-away from God, a declaration of independence. Humility looks at inter-dependence, neighbourliness and compassion. Pride is selfish. If we continue the exercise we soon realize how stark the contrasts are, the wide gulf between good and evil and the how sublimely perfect are the teachings of Christ. Gentleness becomes aggression, mercy turns into injustice, purity of heart is the opposite of evil intentions, peace is the absence of conflict. Add to the Beatitudes the Great Command, to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and your neighbour as yourself (Mk 12.28-33) and keep in the forefront of your mind that Christ is the ONLY way to the Father - for he is the 'Way, the Truth and the Life' (Jn 14.6 JB) and you have the foundation for your walk with Christ. With these virtues and dispositions we follow Christ through good and bad times, joy and adversity, and if we keep to the straight and narrow path then will we be truly blessed. 34 minutes ago • Like
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Devine Jamz Gospel Network -
Thank you Colin! All credit is due to Minister Dale Cook, one of our contributing bloggers! Nonetheless, I certainly agree with you both! I'll be sure to copy and paste your remarks to his post in the comment area on the blog site! God bless and thank you again for your comments and for the words of wisdom!
I thank you sister, but my God Jesus Christ deserves the credit. He just used this broken vessel to write His encouragement. I thank all of the readers for their support. If the Lord allows, I hope keep writing his His words.
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This was a perfect timing memo for me! May God continue to use you Brother Dale for the blessings of those that receive His truth!
ReplyDeleteColin Markham (Copiy n Paste From The Linkedin Group, "Walking With Christ")
ReplyDeleteDevine, you've hit the nail on the head. The Beatitudes deserve careful study (Mt 5.1-12). 'Blessed are the poor in spirit' points to the attitude of humility we need to realize the limitations of human knowledge and strength and our utter dependence on God. A useful exercise is to think of antitheses to all the Beatitudes. The opposite of humility is pride, and pride is a sign of rebellion, a turning-away from God, a declaration of independence. Humility looks at inter-dependence, neighbourliness and compassion. Pride is selfish. If we continue the exercise we soon realize how stark the contrasts are, the wide gulf between good and evil and the how sublimely perfect are the teachings of Christ. Gentleness becomes aggression, mercy turns into injustice, purity of heart is the opposite of evil intentions, peace is the absence of conflict. Add to the Beatitudes the Great Command, to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and your neighbour as yourself (Mk 12.28-33) and keep in the forefront of your mind that Christ is the ONLY way to the Father - for he is the 'Way, the Truth and the Life' (Jn 14.6 JB) and you have the foundation for your walk with Christ. With these virtues and dispositions we follow Christ through good and bad times, joy and adversity, and if we keep to the straight and narrow path then will we be truly blessed.
34 minutes ago • Like
• Reply
Devine Jamz Gospel Network -
Thank you Colin! All credit is due to Minister Dale Cook, one of our contributing bloggers! Nonetheless, I certainly agree with you both! I'll be sure to copy and paste your remarks to his post in the comment area on the blog site! God bless and thank you again for your comments and for the words of wisdom!
I thank you sister, but my God Jesus Christ deserves the credit. He just used this broken vessel to write His encouragement. I thank all of the readers for their support. If the Lord allows, I hope keep writing his His words.
ReplyDelete