If I Have Not Love...

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned , and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 1 Corinthian 13:1-3

What is my true desire? What is my real calling in life? What is the *thing* that gives evidence of the Lord working in my life? What matters most to God?

 
A level of spirituality that enables me to speak in an unknown manner, somehow drawing me closer to God and elevating me above others?

Abundant knowledge of scriptures and the ability to tell forth their truths?

Inpenetrable faith that overpowers any obstacle?

Generosity that saves my fellow man?

Perseverance in the midst of desparate persecution?

Holding fast, even to the point of death?

No.  If I strive for these, I Have Nothing.

Love. Charity. Brotherly Love. Affection. Good Will. Benevolence.  Agape Love. 

This is what should define my life.

Yet, when I think of love, I do not think rightly. I have grown up in a culture that taught me that love is self-driven and self-rewarding. I have been taught that love is determined by how I feel, not what I do. I have been taught that love can change, it can grow or fade and either is perfectly acceptable.

This is not the love that the Lord has for me. This is not the love that the Lord has equipped me to live out as I follow Him.  His definition of love exceeds these human attempts of self-preservation and self-exaltation.

This is the Love that Christ calls me to. This is True Love:

Love suffers long and is kind;

Love does not envy;

Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;

Love does not behave rudely,

Love does not seek its own,

Love is not provoked,

Love thinks no evil;

Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but

Love rejoices in the truth;

Love bears all things,

Love believes all things,

Love hopes all things,

Love endures all things.

Matthew 5:43-44

Ye have heard that it hath been said , Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

John 14:15

If ye love me, keep my commandments.

John 14:23

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

Ephesians 4:1-3

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called , With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Christian Nice Girl

I read an article recently that use the term, "Christian Nice Girl" or "CNG".  Of course, a catchy phrase like that catches my attention. Isn't that what we strive for, to represent Christ in a nice way? Yet, the phrase reeks of negativity and sarcasm as soon as you see it. What in the world could be wrong with being "nice"?

The premise of the author, Peter Coughlin, was that some women hide behind the label "nice" when in reality they are avoiding conflict.  Mr. Coughlin pointed out that many of us will allow people in our lives to sin against us while we say nothing, smile and hold in our hurt feelings all under the belief that we are being "nice" or loving to play the Perpetual Doormat.

I appreciated the provoking viewpoint Mr. Coughin presented in his article. I do struggle often with thoughts that I allow others to take advantage of me, not expressing my real thoughts and feelings. Generally, I do this believing that I am extending grace and forgiveness to others, yet real forgiveness keeps no record of wrongs. I am not forgiving if I repeat the matter to another, pointing out how poorly I've been treated. So, yes, I am guilty of using "nice" to spare myself of conflict and vulnerability.

However, this article, in my opinion, did not fully examine the Lord's teaching on this matter. While the author did give reference to the thought that we need to speak the truth in love, stating that even Jesus confronted those in their sin, he does not spend adequate time discussing Christ's commands we are given to love beyond ourselves and our hurts.  The scriptures are clear that we are called to love one another without regard to our feelings, injuries, or self-preservation. And, yes, while the Lord was firm (even harsh) with the Pharisees and their offensive behavior, He has a whole different plan for how believers are to behave toward one another. Yes, we are commanded to "speak the truth in love". Yes, if I hold my tongue, pretending to be "nice" while really planning a vicious attack in my mind that will never be known (at least not by the person it is directed towards), I am not obeying the Lord's command to truly love that person. I am withholding the truth regarding their sinful actions, thereby disobeying the Lord and keeping us both from growing in the knowledge of Him. However, the examples in this article would lead one to believe that we should speak out our feelings directly, as if this in itself were speaking the Truth. It is clear that the Truth we are to speak is the Truth found in scripture, the Lord's teaching. I am not commanded to blast anyone with the "truth" of my own feelings and thoughts(Ephesians 4 is rich with the Lord's teaching on this)

I am currently reading through 1 Peter. Our family is also giving study to the Love that the Lord has called us to in His word. That Love is a strong contrast to the love the world offers. Today, in my reading, I see the Lord calling me to think carefully on how I would "speak the truth in love".

Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:"

If I am to truly love my brothers and sisters in Christ, then I must be vigilant to guard my tongue from speaking evil.  If I am wronged, I must be cautious to speak out the Lord's truth regarding the sin involved, not my feelings or self-preservation that I seek. It is true that the Lord has called me to be bold in regards to His word and the answers I have regarding the hope I have found in him. It is not true that I, therefore, have a license to indulge my need to be heard, right, or comforted.  I still wrestle through how to overcome my insecurities and fear of rejection, not allowing those things to keep me from pressing forward with words that will ultimately bring restoration, healing, and growth. As I work through this issue, looking for the right balance, I am content to choose silence and prayer in the moment I have been wronged allowing the Lord time to make His truth clear and whether it is my place to proclaim it or not.

Ephesians

I have been so blessed by the ladies' bible study I attended this spring. I'm amazed at the level of depth and comittement to study I see in the women that are a part of this study. It's been challenging me to get in there and work hard through the scriptures to discover the amazing truths our Lord has for us. I plan to add my notes from the study here, hoping to present them in clarity. Please leave a comment if you have a question or I've been unclear.  This page is a bit of a work in progress, so I'll be glad to hear your prayerful input. :-)

Ephesians 1:3  "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ."

What are these "spiritual blessings" that God has blessed us with? The following is a list of all that we receive in the process of our salvation. Not only is this list striking to read through, but it is more awe inspiring when we realize that it all a gift from our Lord.  It is accomplished by Him, given by Him, initiated by Him, and for the purpose of His own glory. Hallelujah! What a mighty God I serve!

The Order of Salvation:
 1. Election - God's choice
 2. Gospel Call - hearing
 3. Regeneration - born again
 4. Conversion - faith & repentance
 5. Justification - declared righteous
 6. Adoption - sealed by the Spirit
 7. Sanctification - progressive, positional, glorification
 8. Perseverance
 9. Death
10. Glorification - receiving a resurrected body


These are my notes from the week I had the privilege of leading the discussion on the topic of Justification.
May 19, 2011


Prayer: Ephesians 1: 15-19

Review: The Order of Salvation - Election, The Gospel Call/Effectual Call, Regeneration (new birth), Conversion (faith & repentance)

These are all gifts given by the Lord, a result of Christ’s finished work , the Father’s initiative, and the Holy Spirit’s continued work in our lives.

Justification

Read: Ephesians 1

Definition: “Justification before God is an act of God (Rm 8:30,33) by which He declares righteous those who, through faith in Christ, repent of their sins (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; 3:19;11:18;Rom. 2:4;2 Cor.7:10; Is.55:6-7) and confess Him as sovereign Lord (Rom. 10:9-10; 1 Cor. 12:3; 2 Cor. 4:5; Phil. 2:11). By this means, God is enabled to ‘be just, and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.’ (Rom. 3:26) “ John MacArthur (MacArthur Quick Reference Guide To The Bible, 2001)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Definition: Propitiation - Propitiation is not placating a vengeful God but, rather, it is satisfying the righteousness of a holy God, thereby making it possible for Him to show mercy righteously. (The New Scofield Study Bible, 1988)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Justification as explained by James M. Boice (Foundations of the Christian Faith, 1986)

Two points:
1. It is God who justifies and not we ourselves.

Here we are helped by the image of the salvation triangle. Propitiation, redemption and justification, three key words for understanding the death of Christ, may be used to connect Christ, the Father and Christians, thus forming a triangle. (see attached) We are the recipients of two acts: redemption and justification. We contribute nothing to our salvation. Christ is the initiator of two acts: propitiation and redemption, for it is he who achieves salvation for us. God the Father is the recipient of one act: propitiation, Jesus satisfying God’s wrath. On the basis of this the Father initiates the last act: justification, in which he reaches out in grace to reckon the ungodly to be right with himself.

2. Justification is given as a legal pronouncement, not a reference to people becoming more holy.

When a judge justifies someone, he does not make that person upright or blameless. No changes are made in the person whatsoever. Rather the judge declares that in his judgment the person is not guilty of the accusation that has been made and is instead in right standing before the law that the judge was appointed to administer.The judge is not saying anything about the accused person’s character.

The Christian doctrine, strictly speaking is justification by faith and not merely justification. Alone, justification means to declare righteous, as we have indicated.But justification by faith is God’s declaring believers to be righteous not on the basis of their own works, but on the basis of Christ’s sacrifice.

The gospel says that when those who have been made alive by God turn from their own works which can only condemn them and instead, by faith, embrace the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior, God declares their sins to have been punished at Calvary and imputes the righteousness of Christ to their account.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bible Dictionary (dictionary.com)

Justification: a forensic term, opposed to condemnation. As regards its nature, it is the judicial act of God, by which he pardons all the sins of those who believe in Christ, and accounts, accepts, and treats them as righteous in the eye of the law, i.e., as conformed to all its demands. In addition to the pardon of sin, justification declares that all the claims of the law are satisfied in respect of the justified. It is the act of a judge and not of a sovereign. The law is not relaxed or set aside, but is declared to be fulfilled in the strictest sense; and so the person justified is declared to be entitled to all the advantages and rewards arising from perfect obedience to the law (Rom. 5:1-10; Titus 3:7). It proceeds on the imputing or crediting to the believer by God himself of the perfect righteousness, active and passive, of his Representative and Surety, Jesus Christ (Rom. 10:3-9). Justification is not the forgiveness of a man without righteousness, but a declaration that he possesses a righteousness which perfectly and for ever satisfies the law, namely, Christ's righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21; Rom. 4:6-8). The sole condition on which this righteousness is imputed or credited to the believer is faith in or on the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith is called a "condition," not because it possesses any merit, but only because it is the instrument, the only instrument by which the soul appropriates or apprehends Christ and his righteousness (Rom. 1:17; 3:25, 26; 4:20, 22; Phil. 3:8-11; Gal. 2:16). The act of faith which thus secures our justification secures also at the same time our sanctification; and thus the doctrine of justification by faith does not lead to licentiousness (Rom. 6:2-7). Good works, while not the ground, are the certain consequence of justification (6:14; 7:6).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Justification according to Paul ~ Romans 3-5

Chapter 3 - all are guilty of breaking the law, because of Christ’s righteousness, the Father justifies us, declaring us righteous as well.

Chapter 4 - This justification is a gift of faith, not a result of works, practices, or following the law (as seen by OT examples).

Chapter 5 - Results of Justification

1. Peace with God
2. Standing in Grace
3. Exult in hope of the glory of God
4. Exult in tribulations
5. Love of God poured out within our hearts
6. Saved from the wrath of God
7. Reconciled to God
8. Exult in God
9. We hold a position of reigning with Christ
10. We are free from condemnation
11. We are made righteous
12. Grace will reign where sin once did
13. Eternal Life

Bearing Down

"Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:5-8 NAS

Definitions & References:

applying: (KJV "giving") to bear into, beside; pereisphero. This is the only place this word is used in the New Testament.

diligence: haste, speed; spoude. Rom. 12:8, Heb. 6:11, Jude 3

supply: (KJV "add") to furnish abundantly; epichoregeo. This is the only place this word is used in the New Testament.

moral excellence: (KJV "virtue") force, strength (of mind or body); arete. Phil. 4:8, 2 Pet. 1:3

knowledge: gnosis; many references. 1 Cor. 1:5 - "enriched in all knowledge (note: we have all the knowledge we need - it is sufficiently supplied - we have only to attain it.)

self-control: (KJV "temperance") self-restraint, continence; egkrateia. Acts 24:25, Gal. 5:23

perseverance: (KJV patience) endurance, continuance; hupomone. Many references

godliness: piety, reverance; eusebia. Many references, especially in 1 Timothy
     piety: obedient love of the will of God and zealous devotion to His service

brotherly kindness: love; philadelphia. Rom. 12:10, 1 Thes. 4:9, Heb. 13:1, 2 Pet. 1:7

love: (KJV "charity") agape. Many references.

useless: (KJV "barren") not working; argos. This is the only verse using this word in the New Testament

unfruitful: without fruit; akarpos. Matt. 13:12, Mk 4:19, 1 Cor. 14:14, Eph. 5:11, Titus 3:14

Taking these definitions into account, here are some excerpts from my journal giving my "full color" understanding of these verses.

Because I have these amazing promises of God that have made me a part of who He is, I have to bear down urgently - giving all of my strength to hasten an abundant supply of force and strength of my mind and body. This abundance of strength will lead to disciplines that bring knowledge of the truths that have been sufficiently given to me in Christ. This strength will develop self-restraint, which flows from the knowledge of Christ. This self-control strengthens my perseverance - enables me to endure and continue on because I turn away from those things that feed my flesh.

My perseverance produces godliness - which is piety- an obedient love of the will of God and zealous devotion to His service. Perseverance produces REAL love - actively loving through obedience and devotion. This devotion - this active love - pours out as brotherly kindness and love - Philadelphia!

The quest of learning to love as Christ loves produces fruit resulting from bearing down into the prior exercises of my faith.

When I think of this bearing down, I, of course, think of childbirth. The exhausting work of bringing forth the amazing gift the Lord has created for me to enjoy. My body will do this work - I have no choice - the gift will come. I can fear it or embrace and join the work my body is doing. When I join in, my labor is effective, accomplishing what my body is created to do.

In this same way, the Spirit of God is at work in me, laboring to accomplish God's purpose, bringing forth His good gifts. When I join Him in this work, when I bear down into this labor, there is so much I gain, leading to the reward. I gain strength of my mind and body. I gain the knowledge of God. I gain self-control, enabling me to endure and press on. I gain a beautiful understanding of and ability to actively love my Lord, thereby bringing forth the gift of brotherly love that is the true mark of a follower or Christ. Just as birthing a baby ushers me into Motherhood, true, active, serving, Christ-love ushers me in to the Brotherhood of Believers.

This is a beautiful analogy. Labor begins and increases in intensity. These qualities must also increase as my efforts increase. As I progress in this labor, as I join the work the Spirit is doing, I bear fruit. I bring forth the gifts of God. I am not barren. I am working efficiently, as God created me to do. I bring forth the amazing gifts - fruit - that the Lord has created for me to enjoy and share.

Beautiful, Lord! Thank you for this. Not only does it give me a uniqe perspective on your work in my life, I find a new appreciation and gratitude for the physical process of childbirth. As you know, I have struggled to embrace and treasure that call on my life as I should.

"For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, who says to you, 'Do not fear, I will help you.'" Isaiah 41:13

Need I say more?

I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.

Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.

Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.

One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.

I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.

And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness.

They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.

The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.

The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.

All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.

Psalm 145:1-10

Looking Back...Looking Ahead

In the year 2010...

I Rejoiced…
>when our baby girl, Honoree’ Faith, burst into our lives
>when the Lord used His people to help meet our monetary needs during several months without work
>at the start of a home church meeting in our house
>in the gift of beginning a new friendship
>in teaching another child to read
>watching my husband and oldest daughter commit to purity in her life
>over baby kittens!
>when I found I was down 5 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight a week after giving birth
>when a dear friend and her family returned from the mission field and later welcomed a new baby to their family!

I Grieved…
>during the hurt and struggle my husband faced while searching for work in the winter months
>the diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes in the last weeks of my pregnancy
>the loss of my planned home and water birth when pressed to deliver at a local hospital due to “policies”.
>when my 4 year old daughter broke her arm
>the ending of our home church
>the ending of a dear family friendship
>gaining 20lbs 6 months during my post partum season
>fighting the baby blues
>the poor state of our garden

I Learned…
>Humility brings blessing
>the Lord truly will not rest until He has dealt with a matter
>that Seven isn’t all that I feared
>Seven is still a Number to Be Reckoned With
>my husband has great insight and ability to guide me
>waiting on the Lord is hard and reveals my terrible lack of patience and trust
>I *enjoy* exercise and I *can* lose weight while nursing, even though it requires much diligence
>I like the Wii.

In the year 2011...

I Pray…
>I would grow in my bible reading and prayer life
>I would strengthen heartstrings with my children
>I will learn to love as the Lord teaches, setting aside the worldly mindset of love
>I will make relationships a priority in my life
>I will slow down, de-stress and grow in humility and let go of anger
>I will stay faithful to my health and fitness goals, resulting in a stronger and healthier lifestyle for our whole family
>our family will find a home church and ministry in which to serve

I Resolve…
>to walk 100 miles by March
>to increase my physical activity daily
>to learn how to make and use sourdough
>to increase raw food in our diet
>to find a new physical activity I’ve never tried but will enjoy regularly
>to send personal notes weekly
>to leave a comment each time I visit a blog or receive an email
>to establish a weekly “date” with my children
>to tend the gardens and yard better this year

>to pray for and reach out to our neighbors weekly

Tenderhearted

"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you."  Ephesians 4:1-3, 32

Dictionary:
adjective; soft-hearted, sympathetic; having a compassionate, kindly, or sensitive disposition

Thesaurus:
Main Entry: tenderhearted
Part of Speech: adjective
Definition: tender
Synonyms: affectionate, all heart, benevolent, bleeding heart, caring, charitable, compassionate, considerate, emotional, forgiving, gentle, humane, kind, kindhearted, lenient, loving, merciful, mushy, sensitive, sentimental, soft, softhearted, sweet, sympathetic, thoughtful, understanding, warm, warmhearted

John Gill:
Ephesians 4:32
"And be ye kind one to another
Good, affable, courteous; which appears in looks, words, and actions; by looking pleasantly on each other, speaking kindly to one another, and mutually doing every good office that lies in their way, and in their power:

tender hearted:
which is opposed to a being hard hearted to them that are in distress, and close at hand to the needy; to cruelty and severity to such who are subject to them, or have injured them; and to a rigid and censorious spirit to them that are fallen:

forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you;
whatever offences are given, or injuries done by the saints one to another, and so far as they are committed against them, they should forgive, and should pray to God for one another, that he would manifest his forgiveness of them, as committed against him; and this should be done in like manner as God forgives in Christ, and for his sake; that is, fully and freely, and from their hearts; and so as to forget the offences, and not to upbraid them with them hereafter; yea, they should forgive them before they repent, and without asking for it, and that for Christ's sake, and because they are members of his: the Complutensian edition reads, "even as Christ hath forgiven us": the Arabic version also reads us, and so some copies: the words may be rendered, "giving freely to one another, even as God in Christ has given freely to you"; saints should give freely to one another, for outward support, where it is needful; and should impart spiritual gifts and experience for inward comfort, where it is wanted, and as they have ability; and that from this consideration, that all they have, whether in temporals or spirituals, is freely given by God in Christ, and for his sake; with whom he freely gives them all things; in whom he has given them grace, and blessed them with all spiritual blessings; as peace, pardon, righteousness, and eternal life."

Matthew Henry:
"Tender-hearted; that is, merciful, and having tender sense of the distresses and sufferings of others, so as to be quickly moved to compassion and pity. Forgiving one another. Occasions of difference will happen among Christ’s disciples; and therefore they must be placable, and ready to forgive, therein resembling God himself, who for Christ’s sake hath forgiven them, and that more than they can forgive one another. Note, With God there is forgiveness; and he forgives sin for the sake of Jesus Christ, and on account of that atonement which he has made to divine justice. Note again, Those who are forgiven of God should be of a forgiving spirit, and should forgive even as God forgives, sincerely and heartily, readily and cheerfully, universally and for ever, upon the sinner’s sincere repentance, as remembering that they pray, Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us."