Read Psalm 130:1-8 and
Matthew 5:20-26
A huge part of celebrating the season of Lent
focuses on the redemptive work of GOD through the death, burial, and
resurrection of JESUS. A huge part of
JESUS’ redemptive work in us is the part about dying to our self . . . our
flesh, and yielding to HOLY SPIRIT within us who is “life-ing” out the life of
JESUS in us and through us. This is what
Paul speaks of in Galatians 5:22-23 . . . the fruit of the Spirit.
Self-righteousness, self-focus, and
self-centeredness have no part with the fruit of the Spirit. Love, joy, peace,
longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control make up
the fruit of the Spirit. Anything we
express outside of this crop of nine qualities produced by the Spirit is of our
flesh . . . not of GOD, and shows us something is amiss in our relationship
with GOD.
Matthew 5:20-26 is a difficult teaching of JESUS
and vv. 23-24 are especially challenging.
But HOLY SPIRIT “life-ing” out JESUS in us and through us takes the load
off of us as we die to our flesh and yield to Him.
Our Lord forgives us all our sins and nothing can separate us from the love of God. And we are called to forgive others with the same compassion, mercy, patience, and love given to us.
In this season of Lent we can experience the renewing love of God and we
are preparing ourselves to celebrate wildly JESUS’ resurrection. It also helps us to celebrate the mystery of
our death to self and rebirth in the new life Jesus won for us.
During this Lenten Season if you remember that someone has something
against you because you have wronged them, then as much as it depends on you
(Romans 12:18), try to be reconciled.
Humble yourself. Reach out. If it does not happen then you must live with
the pain. We are not responsible to make
reconciliation happen.
JESUS is Risen . . .!
Richard Holloman
No comments:
Post a Comment