Transformation From Within

https://odb.org/MY/2021/09/01/fix-up-time

If we are a believer, there is just no way we may remain like the world and not have have kindness, compassion and forgiveness. How different are we from the world if we quarrel and don’t reconcile? How are we a new creation in Christ if we hold a grudge and don’t forgive for days and weeks and months and sometimes years? We console ourselves that God understands; He is kind, compassionate and forgiving – but we are not? It seems like God is kind, compassionate and forgiving to us, but we need not be so to others? Why are we so special? Does that make any sense?

Corollary to that, can we knowingly remain in intentional sin and still fellowship with God? Isn’t that a contradiction? Can we be in a drug rehabilitation programme and yet still taking hard drugs? Replacement therapy is perhaps controversial but it is different. It is not breaking the habit and still indulging in it.

It is true that we are all work in progress until that day and that we cannot be perfect in this fallen body and fallen world. But if we give up and accept that we are immune from being kind, compassionate and forgiving because of our unique situation or accept that we can intentionally sin and yet remain in God, then I think we are just kidding ourselves.

Ephesians 4 is clear, we need to be made new in the attitude of our mind and to put on our new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. If we have sin – be like David and turn to God in grief, sorrow, regret and repentance. Don’t rebel or fight against God like Saul, rationalising in our wrong self-belief.