Delta Dawn When the Light Comes On: Week Eight

"'I have loved you.' says the LORD. Yet, you say, 'In what way have You loved us?'" Malachi 1:1 Can Mankind truly understand the Father's love?

I Corinthian 13 tells us, briefly, what love is and is not. 1, 2 and 3 John add detail. Now, let us look at Galatians 5:22, 23 with fresh eyes, starting at the bottom.

Faith believes that Jesus is Messiah. He told the Disciples, "You believe in God. Also believe in Me." John 14:1 If we don't believe in Jesus, we cannot please the Father (Hebrews 11:6) and will believe worldly wisdom, known as Mammon. It is by faith (believing Who He is) that we overcome the world. I John 5:4

Patience is not gritting our teeth until it's 'our turn'. Patience has a forgiving factor, allowing a process to take place; a child in learning, a rebel gaining understanding, a spouse adapting to marriage, an elder coping with infirmity.

Self-control (temperance). "To seek one's own glory is not glory. Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down without walls." Proverbs 25:27, 28 We detect, then, that control must be applied to our words. Proverbs 18:21 It takes self-control to praise the Lord as well as to keep from cursing.

"Children, you were not born of a spirit of fear, but of power (Holy Spirit), Love (Father) and a sound mind (Jesus)," This phrase, 'sound mind', is translated 'self-mastery'. 2 Timothy 1;7 "And those who are of Christ (Messiah) have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." "He who lives in the Spirit must walk in the Spirit." Galatians 5:24, 25

When these steps are firm, one becomes gentle with others, showing them kindness, which is good. "God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit (power), Who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed of the devil, for God was with Him." Acts 10:38

This brings peace (nothing missing, nothing broken) wholeness in every arena of life. The Hebrew word "Shalom" embodies God's love by this definition.

Peace brings joy; strength to the spirit, soul and body, which is love: God's 'agape' "giving My very best for you, no matter the cost to Myself." Is it any wonder then, that Jesus gave this commandment three times before going to the cross? "Love one another as I have loved you." John 13:34, 35; 15:12-17

Turning His work over to the Disciples, Jesus did not instruct them in how to do a job, but how to love as He does! He said, "I will not leave you orphans. Holy Spirit will lead and guide you and tell you things to come. Ask the Father in My Name [and authority], wait for Holy Spirit to endue you with His power, for He will be within you." (paraphrase John 13-17) Believe it! Receive it! Holy Spirit arrived right on time in Acts 2! "Beloved, I pray that you prosper and be in health as your soul prospers!" III John 2 Days of Heaven on earth!

Next Week: Men @ Work