In our men's bible group discussion on how the Holy Spirit can manifest it self in us or others, speaking in tongues was cited as a possible indication of being filled with the Spirit. However, I would like redirect the focus on 1 Cor. 13-1-3 which says:
"If I speak in the tongues[a] of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,[b] but have not love, I gain nothing." [NIV]
Furthermore, Galatians 5:22-23
says: " But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." {NIV]I believe God is trying to make a point by listing love as the first attribute to describe the fruit of the Spirit. Hence, if we do not have love in our hearts for one another, we are quenching the Spirit.
Ephesians 4:29-31
says: "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice." [NIV]Wow, if we interact with each other poorly (i.e., without love), this grieves the the Holy Spirit. So I ask the question, were we created to exist for God's purpose as individuals or as a community?
From the day we were born, we bought into the universal LIE that existence is centered on "ME". Our personal relationship with God is about "ME". Our personal sin is about "ME". Yet, the Spirit is gently saying that our existence is not about "ME" but "YOU" my brothers and sisters.
I openly ask forgiveness, because I now know that my personal sins have and can affect those around me whether they be strangers, friends and family. Joshua Chapter 7 describes how the sin of one individual (Achan) can affect and result in dire consequences beyond his family but a whole nation (Israel).
Perhaps, that is why Paul commanded expel the immoral brother in 1 Corinthians 5 because of implications of communal consequences to the Church as the result of the sin of one individual.
Are we not concern about the state of affairs of this country? Have we not share our concerns about this country no longer having the favor of God? Have we not pointed fingers at our leaders for being Godless? Yet, do not all of us are to blame and have responsibility?
By our own mouths we profess to be sinners, and I more times than not, as if it was some badge of honor. For that, I asked for God's forgiveness. I am a shame to say, that I failed to realize how my personal sins can have dire consequences beyond me, to friends, family, community and nation. I bowed to the cycle of sin, where it is accepted that we will sin again over and over, and that we are weak and blame Satan for our actions. Well guess what guys, if we are all doing this on a personal basis, collectively it results in a society and nation of sinners.
In recognition to those blessed souls, who are without sin, please forgive my assertive assumption that we are all sinners. I ask in the Spirit of love, that this blog post stimulates some dialogue and realization that "personal" sin is misleading because of the implications beyond the individual or "ME". If we truly have the Spirit in us, because of love, how can we continue to sin because it can hurt those around us and even ultimately this nation in the eyes of our Creator, GOD?
In love, I ask for your and God's forgiveness for those petty transgressions and sins that I have done against you all my brothers and sisters in Christ.
