“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”
Contentment resonates in our hearts and in God’s. It is a two way receiving and giving which is precious in any relationship.
The place we feel safe enough to remove the outside protective prickles and expose the vulnerable soft love seed.
This intimacy is where fruitfulness springs and flows from both in the natural, the emotional and in the spiritual. The true rest, abiding in and contentment.
That opposing striving for success, performance, working, earning and resulting in us abiding in constant dissatisfaction and complaining.
Merging, becoming one brings forth, births, becoming fruitful. It cannot be achieved alone, by ourselves.
The fruit that will last and build more through generations and through eternity. Bringing forth harvest as opposed to dwindling. Bringing forth store houses to bless with built by the Lord.
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.”
It is God’s intention that we survive the storms of this world.
The enemy comes against us in numerous ways frequently under the umbrella of accuser and deceiver. No more than as in the hammering of media in this season.
God desires to depose all that opposes Him. Aligning with Him in unity against the enemy derails the enemy’s attack.
Liaising with God and seeking what He says is even more pertinent. We can not be presumptive.
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”
We can get to a maturity where we think we are know it alls but God alone knows .
“ We sometimes tend to think we know all we need to know to answer these kinds of questions—but sometimes our humble hearts can help us more than our proud minds. We never really know enough until we recognize that God alone knows it all.”
With humility we need to keep asking for His wisdom and heart to make our discernments and choices by. Humble enough not to be offended when our presumptions are corrected.
“We cross the threshold of true knowledge when we live in obedient devotion to God. Stubborn know-it-alls will never stop to do this, for they scorn true wisdom and knowledge.”
Just as God’s correction for us is gentle and in love, our disagreements of views that are held by those we travel with need to come from a place where we feel broken for them rather than angry with them.
This is what Jesus showed us and reinstates living within us. He is love and peace.
Jesus heals unhealed flesh.
“In every relationship be swift to choose peace over competition, and run swiftly toward holiness, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.”
Any roots in lives that give rise to bitterness and offence need to be cut off.
We have to enquire and understand what is being shaken by God and what by the enemy and then to only be in opposition with the enemy.
“And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.””
God’s heart and intentions are always for good.
The illustration shows the intimate closeness of being led hand in hand to the fruitfulness not possible for one. The relationship bond to guide, direct and protect. The love and peace in unity that emanates light to push back the darkness.
Eight Scriptures that come to mind:
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” John 15:18-19 ESV
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” Psalm 127:1 ESV
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” Proverbs 14:12 ESV
“The question keeps coming up regarding meat that has been offered up to an idol: Should you attend meals where such meat is served, or not? We sometimes tend to think we know all we need to know to answer these kinds of questions—but sometimes our humble hearts can help us more than our proud minds. We never really know enough until we recognize that God alone knows it all.” 1 Corinthians 8:1-3 MSG
“We cross the threshold of true knowledge when we live in obedient devotion to God. Stubborn know-it-alls will never stop to do this, for they scorn true wisdom and knowledge.” Proverbs 1:7 TPT
“An arrogant man is inflated with pride— nothing but a snooty scoffer in love with his own opinion. Mr. Mocker is his name!” Proverbs 21:24 TPT
“In every relationship be swift to choose peace over competition, and run swiftly toward holiness, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14 TPT
“And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”” Matthew 11:6 ESV
The song Child of God. Capital City Music
Lessisgreater 