Jesus walked this earth with a pure heart [characterized by integrity and free from hypocrisy]. He lived and taught, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God” (Mat 5:8). He chose to overcome evil by returning righteousness and extending love in response to selfishness. Our Master and Lord was so permeated with the love of the Father, empowered and led by the Spirit, and focused on an eternal purpose that nothing in this world weakened his faith or robbed his power to increase the Kingdom of God.
Never forget Jesus was human [flesh], as well as divine [Spirit]; Oneness with God is being “fully human.” A pure Spirit-man created in the Beginning (Gen 2:7). While on earth, Jesus had to deal with the Adversary—Satan—just like we do. However, he was so devoted to the Father he operated in the Oneness of divine power. Jesus hated sin, because he saw what it did to his beautiful creation. So, he died on the cross to pay the debt for human sin and sent the Spirit to embody and help believers defeat and overpower their spiritual enemy.
As I sit and think about this passage from the Apostle Paul to the Ephesians, my mind is wandering to how different the atmosphere of this world would be if every human being operated in humility, gentleness, patience, and love. Because it has become commonplace, I cannot imagine a day not having to engage in spiritual warfare with self-centered arrogance, aggressive rudeness, and irritable impatience trying to take dominion of my soul or operating in and through the unguarded soul of others. It’s a daily battle to stay in the selfless—humble, gentle, and patient—love of God.
Today, invite the Spirit to keep you “awake” to God’s presence with you and help you guard your heart against the work and temptation of the Adversary to serve unrighteousness—evil. Pray for the unity created by the Spirit to motivate believers in their callings across the world. “O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right [righteous fairness], to love mercy [compassion], and to walk humbly [in integrity] with your God (Micah 6:8). If believers would guard the unity of the Spirit [Oneness] and make the atmosphere thick with God’s love, we would be world-changers! Today, “Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good” (Ro 12:21).
Ephesians 4:1-6 The Voice
1 As a prisoner of the Lord, I urge you: Live a life that is worthy of the calling He has graciously extended to you. 2 Be humble. Be gentle. Be patient. Tolerate one another in an atmosphere thick with love. 3 Make every effort to preserve [guard] the unity the Spirit has already created, with peace binding you together.
4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were all called to pursue one hope. 5 There is one Lord Jesus, one living faith, one ceremonial washing through baptism [purification], and 6 one God—the Father over all who is above all, through all, and in all.
Prayer: Father, we ask for the Spirit to keep us aware of your abiding presence. We need the Helper to guard, protect, and deliver our hearts from evil. Quicken and motivate us to protect the unity of faith you have created by your Spirit. And, help us walk in humility, gentleness, and patience, so we can leave the fragrance of your love everywhere we go, today. Faith in you is our Victory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.