We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death (1 John 3:14).
The successful Christian life is a life lived in the spirit. That is, a life where the real me, my human spirit, is allowed to control my behavior. Walking in the spirit is allowing my spirit, filled with God’s nature, to rule my conduct. Walking in the spirit is allowing the Word first place in my thoughts as I make decisions in how I approach the everyday life issues.
So many of us allow our minds, emotions, and bodies to control us with no input from the spirit life, and the light within us is dimmed. If I am a wise believer I take time to feed on the Word of God each day and I spend time meditating in the Word so that my human spirit can be strong and vibrant, motivating my lifestyle.
Walking in love is one of the signposts on the road of my spirit ruled day. When I am walking in the spirit, I will be ruled by the love of God. When this love rules me from within, I will love others without requiring them to act in a way that pleases me, that is, I will love them unconditionally. I will put myself and my wishes last and the other person and their needs first. I will love others regardless of their attitude and demeanor towards me. I will be patient, kind, caring, honest, real, joy filled, hopeful, believing, and mannerly. When this love rules me, I will live above strife and petty differences. This love of God within me doesn’t pay attention to the wrongs others commit against me, and it will move me to treat those who treat me offensively as though they had done no wrong!
I encourage you to take time daily to meditate in 1 Corinthians 13, and to remind yourself that love is to rule you today. We’re to be clothed with love. When others see us, the first thing they should notice is an unselfish love that puts others first and is kind, winsome, and real. That’s what Jesus wants for me today.
If I’ll seek to be ruled by love today, I will be allowing my human spirit right of way in my life. And the Father and Jesus will direct my steps through the Word. I’ll live above the strife, envy and self-centeredness that are so common today, and I will be used to be the light that Jesus has called me to be.
No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father (Matthew 5:15-16 – NLT)