Post by Les Brewer on Oct 19, 2012 22:38:01 GMT
Aspire to Be like Christ
I aspire to be more like Jesus, He is my paradigm, not those who only spew out vindications and never balance it with edification, when one thrives totally upon all the flaws, that should give us pause, because Christ came to save, heal, and deliver too. He came also not only to correct, but also direct!
(1) Brothers, if a man is overtaken in a fault, you the spiritual ones restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering yourself, lest you also be tempted.
(2) Bear one another's burdens, and so you will fulfill the Law of Christ.
(3) For if anyone thinks himself to be something, being nothing, he deceives himself.
(4) But let each one prove his own work, and then he alone will have a boast in himself, and not in another. Galatians 6:1-4 MKJV
Correction depends upon the person or audience, in a corrective scenario one points out the problem, the sin, or fault, and then presents a scriptural resolution which is done in the spirit and wisdom of meekness. To simply point out a problem without also providing a principle to correct it is negating our whole responsibility. Anyone can spew out rebukes all day long everyday, scriptural resolution is the key. Another point in problem solving is having compassion by proxy, in other words by putting ourselves in their place, seeing it from their perspective, then addressing the problem from a place of humility instead of haughtiness.
(8) Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves another has fulfilled the Law.
(9) For: "Do not commit adultery; do not murder; do not steal; do not bear false witness; do not lust;" and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
(10) Love works no ill to its neighbor, therefore love is the fulfilling of the Law.
(11) This also, knowing the time, that it is already time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we believed.
(12) The night is far spent, the day is at hand; therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Romans 13:8-12 MKJV
Is there a time for reproof, rebuke, and correction? Emphatically Yes! Warning others of the impending judgment of God for sin is a righteous prime directive. But without the compassion of agape fully integrated within that message which also includes instructions for a remedy; the message becomes as a sounding cymbal which is loud, boisterous, and invasive without much depth. The effect is that it does not penetrate to the heart, but hardens it instead. Love uses wisdom based upon the person, the sin, and the situation.
(18) how they declared to you, "In the last times there shall be scoffers, obeying only their own ungodly passions."
(19) These are those who cause divisions. They are men of the world, wholly unspiritual.
(20) But you, my dearly-loved friends, building yourselves up on the basis of your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,
(21) must keep yourselves safe in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ which will result in the Life of the Ages.
(22) Some, when they argue with you, you must endeavor to convince;
(23) others you must try to save, as brands plucked from the flames; and on others look with pity mingled with fear, while you hate every trace of their sin.
(24) But to Him who is able to keep you safe from stumbling, and cause you to stand in the presence of His glory free from blemish and full of exultant joy--
(25) to the only God our Saviour--through Jesus Christ our Lord, be ascribed glory, majesty, might, and authority, as it was before all time, is now, and shall be to all the Ages! Amen. Jude 1:18-25 WNT
When it comes to the application of the principles of the Kingdom of God we must endeavor to have the balance of God’s whole counsel based upon the new covenant precepts which will deem us as wise, worthy, and warmhearted people in the sight of God and witnesses of a truth that transformed the haughty into the humble. Preaching Repentance was the first message Jesus preached, showing love and compassion is how he fortified the message.
Your Emissary of the Faith,
Ray Ritchie ( Minister of the Gospel )
