Just wanted to put up one of my favorite Bible verses! It really encompasses everything I have been aspiring and trying to do and be. I used to meditate on these passages in my battle with possessiveness, jealousy, and envy. I can say confidently, that I'm definitely freer than I used to be. It is only by staying CLOSE to God that we can achieve anything.
CLOSE- is the key word. I say this, coz sometimes I have fallen into spiritual pride thinking/feeling that I have overcome something when I truly haven't. I say in those times, I was focusing too much on myself-my ability to overcome a sin (of course yes through God), but not an emphasis solely on God. Only by holding close to God can we overcome. I believe all of us are victim to the same mistakes over and over again unless we continue to hold.
Romans 12:9-21
Love
9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."[c] 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
3 comments:
awesome post again! some lines of wisdom really stood out to me: "sometimes i have fallen into spiritual pride thinking/feeling that i have overcome something when i truly haven't." i agree wholly in terms of my own experience! it's interesting how u labelled it 'spiritual pride' coz it really is. it's like a 'holier than thou' thing but only comparing with yourself, if that makes sense.
also, i'm so happy to hear you are freer than u used to be =) we're all always working on this fault and that, so i know how liberating n rewarding it is, when something that used to affect/impact so bad, doesn't have the as strong a hold on us anymore. holding on to the Lord and faith is of course key.
those verses are great, i love them too. i think i heard this in CPC but for Romans 12:15, the speaker brought up that it's easier to mourn with those who mourn, than to rejoice. and it's like yea, never realised that, but it is true. schaedenfreude gets in the way, and things get ugly when it should all have been purely beautiful.
anyway thanks for posting! =))
xoxo,
s.
My gosh!! we have so much in common. l sit down and read your blog everytime and its so inspiring.You address personal things that l am afraid to think or feel. I really love reading your blog, while it is personal to you it comforts and makes me feel better when l am down. l am sorry lol to go on and on but everytime l read your blog l am just like wow! Keep up the good work..:))) Youre such an inspiration and your work does make a difference in ways l cant even explain or express.
s- thanks! yes, in those moments of growing close to God one finds themself straying away from old patterns of thought! I dont believe in true "overcoming," I just know that the closer you are to God you can maintain your stance in staying away from temptation.
ya much easier to mourn, coz we let our pride get in the way of embracing others' happiness. its so hard for me either way to try and harmonize myself with others. i feel pride get in the way every time. i hate it! it sucks :(
anyway, thanks for the post, hun! i appreciate it all..its grand to me!
Varie-
Thank you for what you said! So so touched and happy to hear that what I write affects someone, anyone. Even lifts u up! Wow, thats powerful! It raises my spirits! It really does. Your comment is so so dear to me. As long as we're sharing life, experiences, and viewpoints together then I think we can really improve each others' lives! <3
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