Jesus explained that he would not walk the earth forever. He would ascend back to his Father in heaven, but that we would have the Holy Spirit with us here on earth. John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.
Romans 8:9 “You however are not controlled by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.” This explains that we are given the Holy Spirit to dwell with us when we accept Jesus, and helps us here on earth to fellowship with God.
The qualities of the Holy Spirit are the fruit of God’s person love, kindness, patience, long suffering, hopeful, the Holy Spirit is able to help us understand and demonstrate God’s person. 2 Timothy 7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline. This does not mean we white knuckle it through problems, but rather to engage in the gifts given us in the Holy Spirit, so that we may stay in relationship with God, and work together in situations.
Humanity struggles with hatred, revenge, hurting others, making self-destructive decisions, lashing out, being bias, or being prejudice or prideful is unavoidable. There is a part of us all, that is our own master, and we are imperfect.
It is not in our efforts as Christians to be good, live by strict rules, or adhere to a hundred of God’s commands. Our efforts are to seek Jesus’s person, live in his Spirit, and then all things are added unto us. Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
His righteousness is being in right relationship with God. That’s it. All other attitudes or follies naturally reveal themselves and heal, transform, or disappear as we grow and gain more love and understanding by accepting more of God’s love for us.
Galatians 5:16, 17 So I say, live by the spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Living by the Spirit means to have a relationship with God. Our reactions and decision making comes through a co-workmanship with Christ, not alone subject to carnality. Of course it is making our own decisions, but having considered God. Self control helps us to slow down, reconsider the inner dialog, take captive the thoughts that are not beneficial and redirect our hearts and minds to what is loving.
Allowing the Holy Spirit to be present by the acknowledgment and acceptance of Jesus as Lord is such a beautiful transformation in paradigm and in heart. By accepting the Holy Spirit in our lives, as the third part of the Trinity, and God’s agent here on earth, we have a way of communication. John 16:13 But when he, the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth… Nothing compares to having experiences with God throughout the day. We are able to share in God’s nature by merely opening our hearts, accepting Jesus as our Savior and allowing his Spirit to be our helper as we read, ask questions, pray, and learn.
Living with God #LiveLove 