"When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." Prov 16:7
When we think about the distinguishing characteristics of the faith to which we are called, we must surely realize the transformative effects it has on lives truly immersed in it.
First, we become more loving. Love in its most important aspects involve action. Its expression is manifest in the eyes of all who both participate in it and observe it. Love causes us to think less and less of ourselves and more and more of others. We give when we used to hold. We seek when we used to hide. We sacrifice when we used to gather for ourselves.
Then, we live our lives according to the will of One greater than us all. God has given us His commands and laws and they are not burdensome. When we live our lives according to the godly code and are obedient to those things He requires, we have order, protection (from internal and external threats), provision and peace. With this comes, among other things, morality and an understanding of right and wrong.
Finally, we are blessed with optimism and the ability to rise above our circumstances because of our long term view. Our God has promised us an eternity with Him. Believing this deeply within our hearts gives us an indescribable hope and resilience in the face of trials and tribulations. We know that whatever the circumstance, things will be greater later.
Beloved, when we embody these and many other beneficial qualities of being a child of God, there is little for anyone to hate and so much to love. The light of the Lord can be seen in our lives and this light calls to those who are trapped in darkness. The benefit of living lives pleasing to the Lord is the expansion of the body, even as it was when your addition accomplished this.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
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