Fruit of the Spirit 20 (Love does not rejoice In Iniquity)

 Love does not rejoice in iniquity. What does that mean? It means that Love finds no pleasure in sin. It isn't excited by sin, whether in its commission or when witnessing someone else commit it, and it certainly doesn't rejoice in the suffering or reproach caused by sin. Therefore, someone inspired by Love is not delighted to see people fall into sin.

It's not the time to point accusing fingers or spread the news around. Beloved, when we truly understand what sin does to a person, we won't even wish for our enemies to be ensnared by sin.

We can only see things in their proper light when we view them through the lens of what Jesus went through on our behalf on the cross. Beloved, it was our sins that led Him there. When you consider the consequences of our sins on Jesus' body, it becomes impossible to rejoice when people fall into sin. No one needs to be a victim of sin and its consequences because Jesus has already taken care of it.

However, when someone is taken over by sin and its consequences, it's a time to let love rule and reign, not our rationale or our emotions. We often say things like 'it serves him right' or 'he deserves what he's getting.' But someone who has received love in their heart knows that if it were based on what we all deserved, none of us would be here.
Jesus demonstrated His love for us while we were still sinners. So, let that love have its perfect course in our hearts, instructing us in its ways. One thing Love will never do, as we have seen, is rejoice in iniquity.

Love can cause you to pray for those ensnared by iniquity, just as the Lord Jesus prayed for Peter, who was about to deny Him. He said, 'I have prayed for you.’

'But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.' (Luke 22:32)

Why rejoice when you know that the devil's introduction of sin into people's lives is meant to sift them like wheat? Some people have already been broken into a powder-like form, and the devil continues to sift them, causing them to lose life, vigor, and strength. They are experiencing condemnation, torment, and more. If you've ever been addicted to sin, you can relate to what I'm saying. And if you're still in the grip of sin, remember, that's a lie! If the grave couldn't hold Jesus, no sin can hold you bound. There's freedom for you in Jesus' name. See yourself in this freedom, and sooner than later, it will manifest.

Love will also move you to share light, hope, and encouragement with those victimized by sin, especially those facing its consequences. When Peter had failed and didn't even repent but went back to where Jesus had called him from, after Jesus resurrected, there's no account of Jesus recalling all of Peter's mistakes and failures. That's not what we call correction. Correction and condemnation are not on a thin line; they are separated by a wide and infinite gap.

Some claim to correct people by pointing out their mistakes to shame or condemn them. But what Jesus did for Peter was different; He refocused him, gave him light, and corrected his perspective on how to operate in life and ministry.

Sin is, at its core, a deviation from light. So, those operating with the love of Christ seek to refocus people on the light, either by bringing them closer to the light or bringing the light closer to them, as the Holy Spirit helps. Beloved, we have no business with darkness.

When you encounter someone who continually condemns others, know that their hearts are still in darkness. I shared with you last week that we condemn others because we feel condemned ourselves. No one who has truly tasted the love and grace of God and received it in their heart will go on to condemn or victimize those who have fallen into sin.

Have you seen yourself in the light of God's love? That's the perspective we all need to carry. There are many other ways we can relate to those who are victims of their sinful decisions.

I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to inspire our hearts.