The Christian Spirit

The Bible provides so many beautiful examples of what a Christian Spirit should look like. It speaks of how we talk, walk and share what God has done in our lives. Through God's Word, we even learn of the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. The Apostle Paul encourages us to think on these things.

If there is not a noticeable difference in how we look at AND are looked at by the world, there is something wrong. We should stand out from a lost and dying world. The light always stands out in a dark room. As Christians, we are not asked to be avengers of wrongdoing to us or those around us. Certainly, God does not want us to sit idly by while harm is being done. In fact, His Word tells us the exact opposite. James 4:17 states, Anyone who knows the right thing and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

However, a Christian Spirit does not intentionally seek to avenge. The Christian Spirit is to give place unto wrath (Romans 12:19). In fact, when we look at that entire verse, we learn God's heart regarding retaliation. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. In other words, we are to have faith in God that He will act, when the time is right, with divine vengeance. If not taking out our own vengeance is challenging enough. God goes even further. He tells us to love our enemies and pray for those who do us harm. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in doing so thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head (verse 20).

In a world that seems full of people wanting to hate, lash out and take revenge on those they feel have wronged them; what an amazing opportunity for each of us to show our Christian Spirit...

Pastor Aaron