Once we are enlivened by God’s word, we ourselves become able to enliven others by that same word. The power of the Spirit that stirs in us emanates outward through our words and actions to transform those ready to receive him. Let us be aware of those willing to know God’s word and open to his power, that we might concentrate our efforts to bring forth living fruit in his kingdom.
Repentance signals a positive step in the most negative of situations—the overpowering of sin.
Only when we’re dead serious about our faith will we be truly alive and happy.
“My soft plumage is weak without your help:
Grant me the wings of faith that I may fly upwards to you:
For I confess faith in you, through you and from you.”
—Alcuin, cited by D. Dales, A Mind Intent on God, 4.
When temptation appears, ask yourself what text of Scripture will help you to repel it. If you have been reading and studying the Bible, God will give you escape from the temptation.
If the kindness of God leads to repentance, Romans 2.4, might it be the case that treating others with kindness and speaking to others with kindness will promote repentance as well?