Daily Diary October 3rd, 2018

Love of Christ

The biggest change I have witnessed in Christians is how the “Word” transforms their nature from “Self” to “Others” minded.  This comes from the humility of Christ and the understanding that we need a savior.  This “need” is an admission that we are more than likely wrong in our fleshly thinking. 

Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, ⁴ not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Our flesh tells us “what’s in it for me?”  While the spirit of God tells us “How can I sacrifice for someone else?”

This is the basis of Christianity.  Jesus became the sacrifice for our fleshly sin.  This sacrifice made the way for eternal life.  This “Life” is present through Christ as savior and also provides us an example of how to live. 

Matthew 5:38-40 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth. ³⁹ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. ⁴⁰ And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.

Question:  If someone slaps you on the cheek, what do you do?

Christ tells us how to react when we are confronted in this manner and our flesh doesn’t like it.  The spirit of God would have us love those that torment us.  I realize this is difficult but God tells us to love our enemies.

Luke 6:26-28 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, ²⁸ bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

I can testify that this does work.  We must move our thinking from our fleshly nature and begin to operate in the love of God.  When we do this we have peace in the outcome.  People are not our enemy, but rather satan that operates through our flesh.  When we love others their heart will move to love itself, and the boundaries established in our flesh will be torn down.  Love will overcome the plans of the enemy every time.

Father God we thank you for your example.  We humble ourselves to your grace and love.  We pray for those that hate and curse us and we ask you to transform our selfish nature to your Grace for people in Jesus name, Amen!

Matthew 5:45-48 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶ If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? ⁴⁸ Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.