"Blamelessness" is defined as "the state of being pure and perfect". Only when our hearts are filled with spiritual fruit can we be considered "perfect." In other words, when nine fruits of the Holy Spirit are borne abundantly in our hearts, we can give out the fragrance of the Christ. Now we will delve into Jesus' fragrance based on Matthew 12:19-20.
His Heart: He Did Not Quarrel, Nor Cry Out
While He was carrying out His earthly ministry, Jesus never had a conflict but accomplished everything in peace. There were people who tried desperately to have Him killed. He never confronted them with hatred or with uncomfortable feelings. Instead, all Jesus did was to admonish them with good and wise teachings so that they might come to understand God's true will. But if they failed to understand His teachings, Jesus did not argue or quarrel with them; instead, He would quietly slip away.
Jesus did not make any arguments or defense for Himself when He was crucified. Jesus just interceded for the people who condemned Him.
'Quarreling' does not include only being hot-tempered and raising your voice. Quarreling still remains in you if you rule someone out in disagreement or if you keep insisting on your ways and will. If you have discomfort against someone who did not harm you because his opinion is different from yours, you must admit the cause is within you.
If you look back and examine yourself with a humble heart in everything and throw away even the smallest of untruths in you, you can become blameless. If so, there will be no one you cannot understand. Instead, you will be able to embrace and comfort anyone. Then, joy will overflow no matter whom you meet. God will side with you and cause all things to work together for good.
"Crying out" comes out from a desire to show oneself off. Many people want their contribution to be recognized by others. If they do not get recognition that they expect and think they do not receive appropriate treatment, they often feel uncomfortable.
Yet, even as our Jesus was the only begotten Son of God and manifested countless signs and wonders, He never "cried out" or boasted of His work but was always humble. Jesus gave glory to the Father in everything He did (John 17:4).
We should try to resemble Jesus, lower ourselves in humbleness, and give all glory to God.
His Discipline: Nor Did Anyone Hear His Voice in the Streets
Embedded in the way a person walks, behaves, and speaks are his heart and nature. Steps of impatient people tend to be fast while gentle and meek people tend to walk quietly and slowly.
Some people seem to sway when they walk and are unable to stay still even when seated. They are unable to sit up straight and restlessly move their legs and fidget with their hands. Some people say unnecessary things or say things spontaneously without giving too much thought in advance.
Poking or pointing fingers at the person you are speaking to can make him feel very uncomfortable. Speaking with food in your mouth, spitting while you are talking, and speaking in a loud voice in public places are all far from what God thinks is "blameless." We should give out the scent of goodness and show grace and virtue to whomever we meet (Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6).
And we know that such images of Jesus' blamelessness stemmed from what was within Him. He was filled with the goodness of the utmost degree and spiritual love. Thus, we also should speak and behave in the heart of blamelessness.
His Love and Mercy: He Did Not Break Off a Battered Reed Nor Put Out a Smoldering Wick
The phrase "a battered reed" here refers to people whose hearts are hurt, broken, and tormented from ups and downs of life. Because man has received an immortal spirit, when his physical life expires after this comes judgment (Hebrews 9:27). If there is even a little bit of conscience left for him to repent, God will never forsake him until the very end.
When we read, "A smoldering wick He will not put out," it means that no matter how evil a person's heart may be, if there is even the smallest ember left on that wick—in other words, if there is a little bit of conscience left for him to accept Jesus as his Savior—Jesus will not put out that wick. If a person who received the Holy Spirit committed a great sin and does not receive the spirit of repentance, the Holy Spirit may be quenched in the person (1 Thessalonians 5:19). But, if the Holy Spirit has not been completely quenched, and if there is even a small flame remaining within the person, Father God will not give up on him but give him opportunities continually.
No matter how many sins and evils unbelievers are committing, God will keep knocking the door to their hearts until they open. With His infinite compassion and mercy, Jesus kept His eyes on people who were tormented by their sins and suffering. Jesus never thought twice about approaching the sinners, but healed them and led them to eternal life (Matthew 9; John 4).
Because Jesus did not put out the smoldering wick of Judas Iscariot, Jesus kept Judas by His side to the end—as He did with the rest of His disciples—even though He knew that Judas would betray Him (John 13:1).
We should visit those who are like a battered reed and a smoldering wick and stretch out our hand to take hold of their hands first. A truly blameless heart would not argue to tell right apart from wrong. A truly blameless heart would do good in truth and love, melt and touch the hearts of evildoers.
We should give out the strong aroma of Jesus Christ and lead countless souls of this world who are like battered reeds and smoldering wicks onto the path of salvation and blessing.
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