1 Thessalonians 5:15 AMP
[15] See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek that which is good for one another and for all people.
As we have learnt over the past few days, there is an expectation from those who claim to know and follow Christ. There are many practices and principles that align with the call of God upon any life. Whatever was the case before the encounter with Christ, as soon as there is contact with Christ, the past becomes history, as the old life gives way to the new life. It cannot be business as usual, where people are not able to find any difference between what I once was, and what I am expected to be now. This is the theme of our recent reflections, and it is now very important that I consider my own life and be sure that it is in agreement with the expectations of Christ for a life that He controls. Remember: God will not live in a heart that has not been totally surrendered to Him. He does not force Himself on anyone, and He does not go against the exercise of a man's freewill.
If I will live right, it starts with total submission to His authority and control. Have you submitted? This verse above will make no sense to you until you have. The demand of the verse above is difficult for the person who has not given his life over to God. It is the way of the world to give fire for fire, and to get even for any perceived wrong. Revenge is part of the human experience, and that is why the prince of this world is the devil himself, one without mercy. His assignment on earth, as laid out in the Bible, is to steal, kill and destroy and that is all he can offer. Do not look to him for anything less. You only give what you have and all who follow him must produce in line with their mentor or leader. As I take stock of my daily pursuits and priorities, who defines my life's goals? What underpins the things that I hold dear?
The fruits of my life cannot be ignored; I cannot also fake the fruit that follow the seed that has been sown. No matter how hard I try, this is one reality that I cannot fake. Life will flow in the direction of its focus and constant exposure. I have to make sure that I seek the good of ALL people. It is not about what they do but who you are. Each person gives what he has. I am not bothered by your reaction or response, but I just have to live up to who I am. As a child of God, I live by different standards and I am focused on higher and nobler ideals, because of who I answer to now. Like God, who sent his one and only Son to die on the cross for me, I have a good example to emulate. It is not a seasonal wonder, where I get to do it only when it is convenient, it is a call to a holy lifestyle, with eternity with God as the end of the journey. Are you on that journey now? God's time of favour is here.
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