Acting, not Reacting
“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” 1 Thessalonians 5:23.
What a climate we live in today!
The noise of the world can be stilled as we take time to spend in our Sanctuary, being refreshed. This practice also helps quiet our hearts, that we might be sensitive to the Holy Spirit within. As Christians, even in the midst of turmoil and confusion, we can abide in His rest, that our attitudes, words, and lives might reflect the mind of Christ and heart of God.
As we yield to the Holy Spirit, a godly impact is accomplished not only through our times of worship, prayers, or declarations, but also as we act contrary to the prevailing spirit. Today, a spirit of offense is predominant, impacting every level of society. We can weaken that stronghold as we choose not to carry offense in our own hearts, but instead reach out to understand, then allow compassion, forgiveness, and love to work in and through us.
Jesus was born with a sinless nature. Because of that, He was never wounded by the things He experienced. He always had complete faith in His Father and was the express image of His person. Jesus won a perfect victory on the cross as He forgave, committing His spirit to God in utter trust.
Jesus, the perfect son of God could do this because He was sinless, therefore He did not react, but rather was free to respond according to God’s heart, purpose, and plan. Yet God is bringing forth a people today who are being healed and cleansed (sanctified wholly), so they too can display that same victory. As we are willing, the Lord is removing everything from within our hearts that would react or become offended, forming in us instead His nature and character, His love, mercy, and compassion, that Christ might be seen in and through our lives.
I love the testimony of Jesus in John 14:31, where He says the prince of this world comes but has nothing in Him, “but that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do.”
As we have entered into 2024, may the very God of peace Himself, as the Amplified Bible says, “sanctify you through and through,” that body, soul, and spirit, we will be found complete, or blameless in Him.
“Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it” 1 Thessalonians 5:24. May we cooperate, opening wide the door for His working in our hearts!
Abiding in Christ Jesus,
Gabriele Gilpin