THE DISPOSITION OF THE SAINTS

“…Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children”

- Eph 4:32-33

Animosity, envy, strife and an unforgiving selfish attitude should not once be seen in a child of God. However we, still being in this sinful flesh, must be admonished by our Lord every day concerning our attitude and motives. Although this ungodly demeanor is characteristic and peculiar to the natural man it is not the tenor of a believers life or walk. Those that live according to the course of this world have not the love of God in them and shall die accordingly - “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live” Romans 8:13. Those that know the Lord Jesus Christ will give diligence to “see that ye (they) love one another with a pure heart fervently” 1Peter 1:22. I have found over the years those who are faithful and committed to the gospel are the most loving, forgiving, kindhearted, caring, generous, selfless, people on the face of the earth. This observation is consistent with the Word of God. However, on the other hand, religious folks who have no heart for Christ and His gospel and those who esteem themselves above others because of their service and outward zeal are the most hardhearted, judgmental, unforgiving, selfish people on the face of the earth. The disposition of the heart determines our disposition toward the brethren. The omnipotent grace of our loving Saviour subdues the evil heart of the child of God and brings us down in repentance and humiliation so that “nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” Philippians 2:3. My friends, if God for Christ’s sake has truly forgiven us and has revealed His grace and mercy to us we will by His grace be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven us. And therefore, we will be followers of God as dear children. This is His work in us, not ours by virtue of our fallen nature.

- Tommy