UNITY UNTAINTED
By Robert E. Hanna
Scripture Reading: Romans 12:16, 18
"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and elamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice" (Ephesians 4:31). Cogent words to the conscientious believer! Of course, the driving force behind compliance with this instruction, is love. "Walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us" (Ephesians 5:2a). All our efforts inspired by human strength are in vain unless accompanied by the indispensable ingredient-love.
Our apostle affirms: "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 LOVE, I am nothing" (I Corinthians 13:2). Those characteristics which comprise the enablement of saints to faithfully fulfill their spiritual responsibilities are the product of the Holy Spirit. "The fruit ofthe Spirit is LOVE, joy, peace,
longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance" (Galatians 5:22-23a). But like any fruit, it first must be harvested before it can generate energy. It is at our disposal, but we must be willing to make use of it to His glory. Thus Paul urges, "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit" (Galatians 5:25).
Our proper testimony must take two directions: (1) Our fellowship with other believers and (2) Our association with non-believers. Regarding the first, we are encouraged to "Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things .... Be not wise in your own conceits." Of the second: "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."
Transformed By Grace
Kevin Sadler
Transformed By Grace
#1 - Unity in Christ
Transformed By Grace #2 - One Body in
Christ
Transformed By Grace #3 - The Apostle of
Grace
Transformed By Grace #4 - The Gifts of
Christ
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Connie Spivey
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