FELLOWSHIP STRENGTHENS FAITH

 The yoke of stagnation is broken off you because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.

Good -Life Devotional: 

FELLOWSHIP STRENGTHENS FAITH

April 19, 2024

   By Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi 

Heb 10:24-25 KJV “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

    Followers of Jesus Christ are called to be symbols and dispensers of God’s unconditional love. He gave us a new commandment (John13:34) haven fulfilled the Old Testament; this commandment is centered on love for one’s neighbor as yourself(Gal.5:14) .This is contrary to what religion preaches, Matt 5:38-46  NKJV Says "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.'   But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.  If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.  And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.  Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.  "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'  But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,   that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.   For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? In summary , do not take offence when undue advantage is taken of you. 

         This is nearly impossible with human strength but when God gives a commandment he also gives the enablement to fulfill it, therefore, we should depend on Him always in our love walk.  The above instructions are a demonstration of true love in action: greater than any act of benevolence. It is an example of” provoking to love” .  Violence increases in proportion to resistance. We are stirred up to love when those we hurt do the unexpected,especially when instead of hate they love and pray for us . This is a demonstration of spiritual maturity and a confirmation of one’s salvation.

     Jesus prayed for the soldiers who crucified Him leading to the salvation of some of them , likewise  Stephen ; Acts 7:57-60 NKJV says “Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.  And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."  Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice,"Lord, do not charge them with this sin." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”  This act by Stephen was instrumental to the salvation of Saul who supervised his execution .It inspired him to becoming the most effective of all the disciples. There had been many testimonies of ISIS terrorists who encountered the lord while executing Christians who were praying for them in fellowship and many are actively in missionary fields in dangerous terrains seeking to save others.

          Whenever we gather in fellowship with other believers  , the testimonies  from those  who were able to make a headway in the face of strong  temptations and persecution in their jobs, businesses and relationships  stirs up our love for the lord  and reinforces our faith in His word. Habitual absence from fellowships deprives us of the opportunity of hearing victorious testimonies. This results in doubt for God’s word,compromise of our faith, lack of devotion to duty and hardness of the heart .We should always pray that our jobs and business schedule be arranged to enable us partake in the fellowship of the brethren . 

Prayer : Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power  to walk in unconditional love in Jesus name.

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