Ever thought of yourself as His letter our life whether it is honoring our God and loving our fellowman is constantly written on other peoples hearts. Powerful and scary thought, but true because God said so. It matters what is being written whether it is good or bad.
In the book, I believe God lead me to write, is about the influence all women have on those within their sphere of influence.
You, like myself, wonder how can I make sure that my influence is honoring to God and edifying to those who are within my circle of influence. It begins in the heart which s the center of life. Greek term: Kardia) means the heart. It is the center of physical life, and a metaphor for the person (cf. Acts 14:17; II Corinthians 3:2–3; James 5:5); the center of spiritual (moral) life; God knows the heart (cf. Luke 16:15; Rom. 8:27; I Cor. 14:25; I Thess. 2:4; Rev. 2:23); used of mankind’s spiritual life (cf. Matt. 15:18–19; 18:35; Rom. 6:17; I Tim. 1:5; II Tim. 2:22; I Pet. 1:22; the center of the thought life (i.e. intellect, cf. Matt. 13:15; 24:48; Acts 7:23; 16:14; 28:27; Rom. 1:21; 10:6; 16:18; II Cor. 4:6; Eph. 1:18; 4:18; James 1:26; II Pet. 1:19; Rev. 18:7; heart is also synonymous with mind in II Cor. 3:14–15 and Phil. 4:7)
(Utley, R. J. D. (1998). Vol. Volume 5: The Gospel According to Paul: Romans. Study Guide Commentary Series (Ro 1:24). Marshall, Texas: Bible Lessons International.)
So, I ask, "can you and I really know our heart? No, Only God does." But, according to the Word of God, the heart can be transformed from darkness to light' from selfishness and self-love to loving others and dying to self. This transformation takes place at the moment of salvation, but does not stop there. We are to move on to maturity in Christ through the reading and application of the Word of God and teaching of the Holy Spirit.
1 John 4:8–16—"God is love." "God is light"; "God is Spirit"; "God is love." Spirit and light are expressions of God’s essential nature. Love is the expression of His personality corresponding to His nature. It is the nature of God to love. He dwells always in the atmosphere of love. Just how to define or describe the love of God may be difficult if not impossible. It appears from certain scriptures (1 John 3:16; John 3:16) that the love of God is of such a nature that it betokens a constant interest in the physical and spiritual welfare of His creatures as to lead Him to make sacrifices beyond human conception to reveal that love.
How is your heart? Is it an expression of your personality and new nature? Only those around me know whether or not for me this is true. For, they are my letter. How many times have I failed? Probably too numerous to mention. Yet, I can know that at that very moment I will be forgiven. The condition to forgiveness, is repentance turning my heart to God, seeing my sin as He does, and being broken for hurting Him and then confess knowing change is needed in this area.
Shortly, after Christ called me to Himself, while wotrking at the PIG (Piggly Wiggle), some of our customers were the most unloveable. Vile mouths, blowing smoke in your face, swearing and trying to become to familiar, warlocks, witches, self proclaimed healers, drunks and I could go on but you get the picture. At the time the leaders in Bible Study Fellowship were my disciplers. When this prayer request was given all prayed, that I would love these folks, like God did. I can attest that this prayers was answered. God loved them through me, fear no longer was present, His discernment also was experienced. When one of these unloveables asked one day, "Why I had such joy?" The answer came easy, "Beause I know Christ and He gives me this joy?" He walked away looking puzzled. I can remember the warlock getting his grocies checked out, who exuded evil. A quick prayer and he passed through the line with little exchange, but fear of him was no longer present only pity. A short time later he was arrested for torturing and ultimately killing his thirteen year old step-daughter. His poor wife allowed this and also went to prison. Seeing her face you could see her anguish, unbelief that she permitted this horror. Now since God gave His love to for me to give to for these lost people, how much more will He give to those who also ask. Please do not think that all my customers were horrible, bullies or unsaved. We had a multitude of believers, and wonderful families.
His love is meant to be given away, "For God so love...He gave..." (John 3:16). His love is a commitment to others, not an emotion, a choice of the heart to serve and sacrifice for the gospels sake and the betterment of others. God turns none away when they come to Him through His Son Jesus Christ.
What do others know you for? Is there anyone you don't love? Those who hurt or hate you, those who do not agree with you so you withhold love? If so, that is not God's love, it is our human love based on our emotions.
Would you pray, "God please give me Your love for all peoples. For I do not have that kind of love within me but know You do. You have said, people will know us by our love. Fill my heart and then write, Your love on their hearts through this servant being faithful to do as You command. To You be the honor Lord, help me faithful to Your calling."
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