"I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:1-3, NKJV)"
I had to drive into town today for a dental appointment. Once I was close to the dentist’s office, I approached a four way stop. A driver of a truck (purposefully and looking right at me) ran the red light. Legally, I had the right of way. Rather than exercise my legal right, I hit my brakes and stopped, preventing my vehicle from crashing into the truck.
I had the legal right of way but I refused to exercise my right at that moment. Had I decided, by law I was in the right and refused to stop my vehicle, I would've found myself (along with my children) in a head-on collision.
God immediately spoke to me and said, "Always refrain from exercising your emotional right every-time-possible. That is unconditional love.” (Ephesians 4:32, Proverbs 20:3, John 13:34, Proverbs 29:11)
There is a connection that we so strongly attach to, and that connection is unconditional love. The love that created us. (1 John 4:8, Ephesians 2:10)
While most will agree, it is a mistake to fail to prevent a motor vehicle accident. No matter who has legal right and no matter who is purposefully doing what. However, many willingly drive right into an emotional head-on collision (with their children/spouse/friends/family, etc along for the ride).
At times, we find ourselves facing a dilemma when others may purposefully tempt us to drive into an emotional head-on collision. During these times, our right is very obvious to us and many of those around us. We have a choice to make. Either stand up for our right, or avoid an emotional head-on collision. (Psalm 17:3, Psalms 141:3, Proverbs 21:23, James 1:19, Proverbs 16:23)
I am in no way suggesting we should never stand up for ourselves and/or a worthy cause. But I am suggesting, be led by God’s spirit, always choose life, and refrain from exercising our emotional right every-time-possible! (Galatians 5:16-26, Deuteronomy 30:19)
The LORD has had me parked on the following scripture for months. Please read it very slowly and allow every word to fully penetrate your heart.
"So I, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to you to live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called [that is, to live a life that exhibits godly character, moral courage, personal integrity, and mature behavior—a life that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation], with all humility [forsaking self-righteousness], and gentleness [maintaining self-control], with patience, bearing with one another [a]in [unselfish] love. Make every effort to keep the oneness of the Spirit in the bond of peace [each individual working together to make the whole successful]." (Ephesians 4:1-3, AMP)
