My Favorite Verses - Vol V (Feb 17 to Jun 17)
An illustrated collection of brief commentaries on some of the Bible’s most beloved (and some of its least understood) passages, parables, verses & sayings
An illustrated collection of brief commentaries on some of the Bible’s most beloved (and some of its least understood) passages, parables, verses & sayings
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1 John 5:6 … A most Truth-full testimony<br />
(06/13/20<strong>17</strong>)<br />
“And the Spirit is the one who testifies,<br />
for the Spirit is the Truth.”<br />
~ unknown (1 John 5:6)<br />
First of all, it is crucial <strong>to</strong> remember that “the Spirit” referenced here is not<br />
an external entity, but rather an internal Essence (what some call “the Holy Spirit”<br />
or “the Spirit of Truth”, what others call “the Soul” or “the True Self” or “the<br />
conscience”, and what Jesus called “the Advocate” – see John 14:20-26 & John 15:26 et<br />
al) … Of course, the question remains as <strong>to</strong> how we can know whether the<br />
“voice” (or “feeling” or “intuition” or “hunch”) that is speaking <strong>to</strong> us is actually<br />
from this Spirit – whether we are receiving internal guidance from a Divine<br />
source that resides in the Heart (see Matthew 21:43) or an ego-based source that<br />
resides in the more primitive regions of the human brain. Fortunately, there is an<br />
easy test that we can use <strong>to</strong> make this determination – the “Fruit of the Tree” (see<br />
Matthew 7:15-20 et al); essentially engaging in Caring deeds that are earnestly<br />
intended <strong>to</strong> bring Peace &/or Joy <strong>to</strong> others, and then “listening” within <strong>to</strong> see<br />
what feelings arise as a result.<br />
Quite simply, if we focus on the other(s) <strong>to</strong> whom we are extending said acts<br />
of Love and feel Peace-full while giving them, then they are “of the Spirit” – if<br />
we do not, then they are not … And note that the only deeds that can engender<br />
such Peace-full experiences are those sincerely engendered in humble Love and<br />
those earnestly designed <strong>to</strong> bring Love <strong>to</strong> others (see Galatians 5:22-23). And note<br />
as well that the consequences that come from such a selfless act are not<br />
necessarily a determinant as <strong>to</strong> whether or not the deed was “right” or “spiritual”<br />
or “holy” … Yes, if we engage an action that inadvertently causes pain and<br />
inadvertently leads <strong>to</strong> another‟s suffering, we logically choose <strong>to</strong> abandon that<br />
method of Loving with them in the future, and yet that does not mean that it was<br />
“wrong” <strong>to</strong> have Loved in that way, or even that the Love given did not come<br />
from “the Spirit” … Indeed there will be those who use our acts of Goodness <strong>to</strong><br />
further their own feelings of annoyance or frustration or fear or even anger – <strong>to</strong><br />
entrench their own choice <strong>to</strong> suffer. And yet them doing so does not make our<br />
Love “wrong action.” Their suffering is their choice, and has no bearing on<br />
whether or not our Love truly came from “the Spirit.” We honor their choice if<br />
they decide <strong>to</strong> respond <strong>to</strong> our Love with aggression or callousness or ridicule or<br />
fear, and we choose <strong>to</strong> Love them differently thereafter (or even turn <strong>to</strong> give our<br />
Love <strong>to</strong> another if they persist in using our Love as an enhancer of internal discord),<br />
and yet Love given purely & selflessly & earnestly is always Right Action – is<br />
always “of the Spirit” – at least in the moment it is being given.<br />
Amen ... Let it be so.<br />
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