Some people make mistakes all the time and cause damage and give hard times to others. Some complain a lot and even become sulky over small things. When you are engaged in a group work or something with them, you might think that it would be better if they were not among you. However, we, the children of God, should practice spiritual love that 'believes, hopes, and endures all things' even for them. Now let's look into detailed ways to practice it.
STEP 1. We have to believe the love of God until the end
1 Peter 1:7 reads, "…so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
God wants His children to grow up in faith quickly and overcome every trial with faith no matter how harsh it may be. This is because only then can they later enjoy everlasting praise, glory, and honor in the eternity of Heaven.
While living according to the Word of God, we might be faced with unjust sufferings. In order to overcome them, we have to believe we are receiving special love of God. We should know that it is from the love of God who is leading us to a better dwelling place in Heaven and give thanks to Him from the heart.
Moreover, we should believe His love until the end. When we meet with the trials of faith, it may cause pain. If the pain is severe and it goes on for a long time, some may think, "Why doesn't God help me? Does He really love me?"
If we have doubts about His love we may want to give up. We may even have complaints and have resentment towards Him. We have to keep the love of God in heart and endure the trials. We have to believe that God wants to lead us to better heavenly dwelling places because He loves us.
If we believe the love of God and endure until the end, we will finally become a perfect person (James 1:4). A trial is God's love that cares us so much. I hope you will unchangingly believe this love so that you will endure and overcome all trials.
STEP 2. We have to believe that the trials are a shortcut to fulfill our hopes
Romans 5:3-4 says, "And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope." As said, the tribulation of trials is the shortcut to accomplish our hopes.
Some may think, "When will I be renewed?" But if we endure trials and keep on renewing ourselves, we will finally become God's true and perfect children who resemble Him. We will finally have the qualifications to enter into New Jerusalem.
Therefore, when a trial comes, we should not avoid it but try to pass it with our best. Of course, it is a natural desire for a man to take the easy way. But if we try to get away from trials, we will arrive at the desired destination much later.
Suppose there is a person who gives you a hard time in every matter. You do not openly show it on the outside, but you have discomfort toward that person. You just want to avoid him. In this case, you should not just try to ignore the situation, but you should overcome it in an active way. You have to endure things that you suffer when you are with him, and accomplish the heart to truly understand and forgive him. When you try hard this way, God will give you grace and strength needed for you to love him.
Therefore, trials are a shortcut on your way to your hope. If you really want to have spiritual love, whenever you face a trial, you should rejoice thinking that you are now taking a shortcut.
STEP 3. We have to do only good
Daniel lived only by the Word of God without compromising with the world, but he was thrown into the lions' den by the schemes of evil people (Daniel 6). However, he never complained against God. He never complained against the king who had him thrown in. Although he knew it was an evil scheme he did not react with evil toward those who had plotted against him. Because he knew God's will, he reacted only in goodness.
Then, God sent His angels to close the mouths of the lions and they protected Daniel from any kind of harm. Instead of Daniel, those evil people who schemed against him became the lions' prey.
It may seem to be foolish to react with goodness toward those who act with evil toward us. But if we know the law of the spiritual realm, it is wise to act only with goodness. It is also a way to blessing. We should overcome evil with goodness.
From a fleshly view, tests or trials seem to be coming from other people or from some situation. But spiritually, they are brought by the enemy devil and Satan, and to overcome a trial is a spiritual battle. To win in this battle, we have to fight according to the rules of the spiritual realm.
Romans 12:21 says, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." If we act in goodness this way, it may seem that we face loss and we lose at the moment, but in fact, it's the opposite. It's because the just and good God controls all the fortune, misfortune, and life and death of mankind according to the spiritual law.
For instance, some of you might be suffering from persecutions from your unbelieving family members. The persecutions will quickly go away and your family will be evangelized only when you act in goodness. But some may think, "Why is he so evil?" and try to persuade him through argument. Then, the trial may become more serious and take you longer.
Then, you first have to try to move their hearts with love. You have to pray with love and serve them in the Lord. You have to become the light that shines brightly on your family. In any kind of situation, you have to think in goodness and confess with faith.
You should do goodness in every situation engraving Apostle Paul's profession, "I die daily". Then, God will work at the best time. The most powerful weapon in a spiritual battle is not in the power or wisdom of men but the goodness of God.
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