Fruit of the Spirit 18 (Love is not provoked 2)

1 Corinthians 13:5 1 Peter 2:21-23

I've often heard people wonder, "How is it possible that Christ never sinned?" While there are numerous insights I could share on this topic, let's focus on one thing: Peter, who was closest to Jesus, serves as a firsthand witness. Whatever he conveyed about Christ holds true.

Consider this perspective. Peter remarked, "For this reason you were called." What reason is that? To understand, look at the preceding verse where he discussed enduring insults or mistreatment even when you've done well.

Now, here's what Apostle Peter clarified: "We are called to endure insults and assaults, especially when we're on the right path." When people incite us and act against us, God's call for us is not just to tolerate, but to respond with love.

Remember, this suffering is an integral part of your life as a Christian, not in the sense of material lack, but in enduring mistreatment. Particularly as Christians, the devil actively opposes us in this area, using individuals, groups, and even close relationships to divert us from our calling.

So, along with your Christian calling, embrace enduring all kinds of insults, assaults, and biases. Peter concludes that understanding endurance and suffering means focusing on Christ's ability to navigate through various forms of mistreatment and insults.

To grasp how we can still respond with love to those who provoke us, we must study how Jesus lived. Even though we possess His life and its capacity for love, He didn't just give us life; He demonstrated how to operate, engage, and function within that life. Consider Him.

Picture receiving a machine, like a car, without a manual. Without instruction, we can't use it effectively. Similarly, Jesus gave us His life and serves as our manual, showing us how to utilize what He's given. That leaves us with no excuses.

If we truly desire to walk in love, we have the tools at our disposal; we simply need humility to allow the Holy Spirit to work within us, enabling us to operate in love and grace. This is the fundamental calling for every believer.

Don't let societal influences deceive you!

Now, let's explore what Peter said about Jesus. He stated, "He never sinned through actions or words." Why? One of the primary reasons, if not the main one, is that Jesus operated from a foundation of love and compassion toward all.

Consider this: Jesus was aware that some would seek to harm Him, yet He continued to heal and bless them. I won't delve into the specifics, but those familiar with the Bible will agree that often, when Jesus intended to heal someone, a recurring phrase appears, "He had compassion on him." This driving force can motivate us to respond positively to provocation. It's not a sign of weakness; it showcases strength. Jesus wasn't self-centered; His motivation was driven by love for humanity and fulfilling God's divine will.

Beloved, the life we've received from Him embodies this principle, and it's the life we are called to live. This is the essence of Christianity!

Someone might ask, "Is it genuinely possible not to retaliate against those who provoke us?" The answer is a resounding YES! However, this might seem implausible when we focus on things other than Christ. In such cases, we remain oblivious to the fact that we possess a supernatural life infused with intense love in the face of hate.

The kind of love Jesus exemplified and bestowed upon us may seem incomprehensible to those with a worldly or societal mindset. Hence, our focus must remain steadfastly on Christ.

In 1 Peter 2:23, the Bible states that He endured insults, as the NIV version puts it. What's noteworthy is that He didn't respond with insults or curses. The reason behind this was His profound love for them.

He understood the driving force behind their actions and knew he wasn't fighting against mere humans; His aim was to conquer the forces of sin, the devil, and hell. They treated Him terribly—assaulted Him, stoned Him, and ultimately tortured and crucified Him for our sins—yet He didn't retaliate.

Beloved, this is the life we're called to embrace. This is the example Jesus Christ set. He is the wellspring of Love itself. He is our model. We must allow His love to encompass our hearts to the point that it guides our actions.

When we let His love guide us, we transcend our own thoughts and actions.

Written by Peter Ayoola Fakeye (PAF)