The Two Spirits, part 3

Two "spirits" (attitudes) seek to control the believer's mind.

The first is fearfulness. In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul says,

For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness...

This was good news for the timid, insecure Timothy, who needed the encouragement of his mentor Paul. As children of God, we don't have to live our lives characterized by fear. We serve someone who has already overcome the world!

Last week, we began to look at the second spirit... a three-fold spirit, just like God is a three-fold God.

Here's the second part of verse 7:

...but one of power, love, and sound judgment.

Last week we looked at the spirit of power... the ability, boldness, and confidence you have through the empowering strength of Christ.

Look at the next part of this spirit...

Love.

Do you ever find some people hard to love? Sure you do. Some people mistakenly think that becoming a Christian will instantly enable them to hold hands and sing "Kumbaya" with everyone they meet.

But love can be hard. How can you love an abusive parent who has left scars that still haunt you to this day? How can you love a terrorist who seeks to end your life? How can you love another flawed human being day in and day out, when you see their warts and hangups?

The spirit of love. God has actually instilled in you a supernatural ability to love people. The Greek word is "agape," the sacrificial, giving, unselfish love that only God is truly capable of providing.

It is only through Christ that we can harness and give this type of love. It's supernatural. It flows out of His love for you.

You see, your ability to love is directly tied to your realization of how much you've been loved. And forgiven. Look at what Jesus said about the sinful woman who washed his feet:

Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that’s why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little. - Luke 7:47

Having trouble loving? The remedy is found in realizing how much God loved you and forgave you.

As the Holy Spirit works in you, He will fill you with the spirit of love.

Let me leave you with something practical. Think about someone you're having a hard time loving or forgiving. Consider praying a prayer like this:

Dear Lord, you know how much _____ has hurt me. You know how difficult it is for me to love and forgive them. Right now, I ask that you help me to love and forgive just as you have loved and forgiven me. Thank you for loving me when I was unlovable and forgiving me even though I didn't deserve it. Help me to love ______ just as I have been loved. In Jesus' name, amen.

Some hurts take time. Some scars run deep. But I promise you, on the power of the Gospel and the truth of God's word, that you can find the ability to love and forgive those who have hurt you the most.

God bless you, friend.

By His Grace,

Adam