JimFoxvog wrote:What makes love hard is people mistreating you. God can give us the grace, but it surely takes that supernatural power sometimes.
Amen. So, what does the bible give as the solution to being mistreated ? Look at what it says in Romans - “Do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to God’s wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord… if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” - (Romans 12:19-21).
Now, if that is not radical, I don't know what is. What might be a practical example right here on this forum. Suppose someone posts something in a way that we feel is mistreatment to us. How should we respond ? According to this verse, we respond with treating them good. If it sounds like they need to be encouraged, encourage them in the Lord. If it sounds that they need to be kinder, respond to them in kindness. Perhaps when we feel mistreated, the first thing to do is ask God to guide us through His Spirit in how to respond. Be willing to humble ourselves to not only accept mistreatment but to go out of our way to treat the mistreater with blessing.
What did Jesus say ? Luke 6 27-37
“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. Do to others as you would like them to do to you.
“If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.
“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.
Now I don't know about you but I am not inclined that way in my fleshly nature. Without being constantly under the control of the Holy Spirit, this ain't gonna happen. Even today I failed miserably. Why ? Because I gave way to the flesh and not the control of the Spirit.
So, what are some tips others here can share about how they are able to do what Jesus commands us to do here ? Or maybe you don't agree it is a matter of coming under the Spirit's control by on-going fillings ?