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| Author: Ese Ehimare Dave |
Topic: Spiritual Growth: The Effects 2 [Sunday, 12th Mar. 2017]
If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 1 John 1:20
Another indices to measure spiritual growth is an improved relationship with people, whether they are friends or foes. This is the second pillar of the commandment Jesus Christ left us. Matthew 22:39 says “…thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” This is as a result of your growth spiritually. Spiritual growth is all about becomimg more like the Lord is action, intention and word. And the Lord have the best relationship with people, even those that have not acknowledge Him.
Demonstrated on the cross, was how much the Lord loves His enemies, when He told His Father not to hold the sin of His killers against them. That is the height of spiritual maturity; praying for your assailants. Scriptures say in 1 John 4:20 “if a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” If a man says he is growing spiritually, he should have an improved cordial relationship with people.
You might say, ‘I have a cordial relationship with my family members’ or ‘I have a great relationship with my friends.’ Question is what are you doing more than the guy that is not a son of God? Jesus asked this question in Matthew 5:47 “if you are friendly only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even the heathen do that.” If the heathens – spiritually death folks – are having a good relationship with their friends, you are not doing anything spectacular if you are doing the same. But when it extends to your enemies, then you are acting like your Father, because you are growing to become more like Him (Matthew 5:48-49).
Keep winning daily.
Prayer:
Dear Father, thank You for Your Word. Help me to grow to become more like You, having a wonderful relationship with people; friends and foes alike. I lean on Your Spirit that works in me to produces Your love for all men always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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