Fresh Mannaby Pastor Tim BurtHatred and anger are real emotions that are given by God. Find someone walking in them and you might find someone with what seems like boundless energy. Those emotions energize. Unfortunately that energy will most likely manifest horrible results if it's aimed at people or God.Anger and hate are real emotions and they are given by God, but not to be used wrongly. God gave them to us to be used rightly. Romans 12:9 (RSV) says, "Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good." Hatred is not to be aimed at people. To the contrary, in many scriptures we are exhorted to get along, to forgive one another, and to work things out. These are mandates with which Jesus said, "But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins."
Evil is opposed in many different ways and at many different levels. In war, evil is opposed by military with strategies and weapons of warfare. At the level of street crime, evil is opposed by different forms of police and government law enforcement agencies. In our day-to-day lives we are to oppose evil while loving people. As the Apostle Paul implied, people may appear to be the problem but it's the demonic forces that stir people to do wrong. So, we bind those spirits stirring up trouble in Jesus name. We pray for those that don't seem to be walking after love or in God's ways. And we pray for God's strength to show love and respect while having an appropriate voice opposing evil so that we may be a light to them. This is easier said than done for sure but, if you make it your practice, you can get good at it! And it's what Jesus wants and directs us to do!In Luke 6:34-35 (RSV) Jesus said, "... But love your enemies, and do good...for God is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish."
Paul encourages us to show respect and love to all, even in discussions where there is disagreement. There are many arguments amongst people over moral issues. When two people have a strong unchangeable opinions, debating with each other is almost pointless. Neither will change each other's mind and often end up despising or hating each other. But, if you take two people who have opposing views but have treated each other with great love and respect and where a sincere relationship of trying to understand each other has been built, either one's mind becomes subject to change. Love is what pries a closed heart open which in turn can lead to true seeking and truth. 2 Timothy 2:24-25 (NLT) "A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth." Romans 12:9 (RSV) says, "Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good." These words are preceded by the words “Love must be sincere.” Love must dominate hatred in order for hatred to be rightly used. They have to be used for good and for blessing and not for wrong and destruction. Learn this and do this and you'll have better lived a life of love! Luke 6:27 (MSG) "To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst" In His Love,Pastor Tim BurtIf Fresh Manna is a blessing to you,let me know how. I’d love to hear from you! Click Here: FreshMannaFeedback
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