“But He turned and rebuked them and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of.” ~ Luke 9:55
REFERENCE:
The walk of love is not for the faint-hearted. Love goes against everything our flesh (selfishness) wants; it restrains us from holding on to bitterness, revenging, gossiping, getting even, etc. It is easy to profess love, but walking the love talk is a different ballgame. As believers born of God, let us strive to be ruled by love in all our dealings and relationships. It is tough, but it is God.
What does it mean to be ruled by love? It begins by dying to your flesh, being ready to disobey your first impulse when provoked or wronged by another. It is choosing to be proactive in forgiving, giving, and preferring others to yourself, deciding to treat them just as you would want others to treat you. Love is our distinguishing feature as believers, as Jesus said (John 13:34-35).
Jesus, the merciful Savior and Son of God attempted to enter Samaria with the message of the Kingdom. At the time, Jews had no dealings with Samaritans; Jews saw them as inferior. Jesus, as it were, condescended to go there, but He was rejected and bluntly refused entry into the city. It infuriated His disciples, and their instinct was to incinerate (burn) the whole town.
The disciples revealed a proud, bitter, and intolerant Spirit. They were like some Christians, ready to call fire to burn any perceived enemy at the drop of a hat. Jesus restrained their ‘madness’ and loveless attitude. He told them that the Spirit’s operation within them differed from Elijah’s. People ruled by love do not act like that. Love believes the best about people and gives them a second chance. Jesus expected them to demonstrate love to the Samaritans.
In Luke 10, Jesus used a Samaritan as an epitome of love for one’s neighbor. Jesus had no labels for people; He loved unconditionally. He said love is the only way to show that we are His disciples, and in all our dealings with people, this love will be tested. Your flesh will want you to be mean or take revenge on those who mistreat you or your perceived enemies, but if love rules you, you will not stoop low to their level to get even. Instead, let love lead you.
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL STUDY:
Proverbs 25:21-22, Matthew 5:43-48, and I John 4:20-21
PRAYER POINTS
+ Father, give me the grace to forgive and forget the deeds of those who have despitefully used me. I ask for tenderness of heart to show mercy when I feel a strong need/urge to get even.
+ I bless those who have hurt me and release them from my heart. Help me to love them again.
+ Lord, let the reward of love and love be evident in all facets of my life, in Jesus’ name.
