“Love must be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil, cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another with mutual love, showing eagerness in honoring one another. Do not lag in zeal, be enthusiastic in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, persist in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints, pursue hospitality. Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil; consider what is good before all people. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people. Do not avenge yourselves, dear friends, but give place to God’s wrath, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Rather, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing this you will be heaping burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:9-21 NET
The love of a child of God is a profound and intriguing
experience that encompasses compassion, understanding, and a deep connection.
Even more fascinating is how a person’s desire for their spouse can lead to significant personal transformation, causing them to adopt qualities and
behaviors reminiscent of their partner. This phenomenon, known as marital
assimilation, often manifests among married couples over time.
As partners share day-to-day experiences—whether it’s
navigating life’s challenges, enjoying hobbies together, or simply sharing
meals—they begin to mirror each other’s traits and mannerisms. This process is
facilitated by repeated interactions and the establishment of synchronized
routines, in which they start to respond to one another in similar ways.
Consequently, their emotional responses, communication styles, and even tastes
can align, illustrating the powerful bond created through love and shared experiences.
In essence, the hope is that the relationship becomes a collaborative journey,
shaping both individuals into a harmonious unit, two becoming one flesh.
In the profound Christocentric relationship, we find
ourselves intimately connected to Christ. The Apostles Paul and John eloquently
describe this divine bond as a marriage, in which we, the Church, are
envisioned as the beloved bride being passionately pursued by our caring
bridegroom, Jesus. This compelling imagery not only illustrates our connection
to Christ but also echoes the nature of God’s deep and covenantal relationship
with His creation throughout history.
Just as woman was formed from the side of Adam in Genesis 2,
the Church emerges from the piercing wound on Jesus’ side during the
crucifixion, from which blood and water flowed. Each element carries
significant meaning: the blood symbolizes the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus
as payment for the penalty of sin—covering our transgressions and permanently reconciling
us with God. Meanwhile, the water represents the powerful cleansing and
sanctifying grace of God’s Word, which daily washes over us and renews our
spirits.
This profound reality serves as a powerful reminder that we
have been purchased at an immeasurable cost—the very life of Christ—to become His
cherished bride. We are not only acquired through His precious blood but also
continually purified and transformed by the life-giving water of God’s Word,
which equips us to live in righteousness and faithfulness in our relationship
with Him. This sacred union invites us to embrace our identity as beloved and
cherished by God, calling us to respond in love and devotion as we walk in a
relationship rich in grace and purpose.
The true significance of our relationship with Jesus holds a
profound and unique purpose, akin to the sacred bond of marriage, where two
distinct individuals become one flesh. This union is not merely a legal or
social contract but a deep spiritual connection that mirrors God’s intention
for intimacy and unity. While I could refer to this concept as “Marital
Assimilation,” where two parties blend their lives together, the Apostle
Paul elevates this idea by describing our relationship with Christ as
“Marital Transformation.” In this sense, something entirely new and
divinely orchestrated is created, imbued with a special purpose that transcends
our human understanding. The word “metamorphosis” aptly captures this
transformative process, signifying a profound change in form and essence.
Becoming the bride of Christ is an act of divine grace that
surpasses our human abilities; it is not something we can initiate or
orchestrate through our own desires or efforts. Just as we cannot will ourselves to become
a different creation, we rely on the loving pursuit of our Bridegroom, Jesus,
who sees within us an intrinsic worth and beauty. He longs for a deep, abiding
connection, a friendship that transcends the limitations of worldly existence
and draws us into His eternal, heavenly realm.
God possesses a genuine need that is deeply rooted in His
desire to draw near to His Bride. If Jesus is indeed the embodiment of God,
then His sacrificial death on the cross was not merely an act He could have
accomplished alone without our involvement. Instead, His profound motivation
was to claim His inheritance, which encompasses every person on Earth, so that
He could cultivate an intimate and lasting relationship with His beloved—His
cherished bride. This bond is characterized by unending love, boundless grace,
and a desire to participate in His divine purpose, leading us
on a transformative journey that shapes our lives and guides us to our
ultimate destiny in Him.
What does this transformative relationship between Jesus and
humanity look like? If it were simply a one-on-one relationship between Jesus
and us, it would be easier to understand. However, this
connection encompasses all of humanity, which adds layers of complexity. This
is precisely why Paul, in his letters, attempts to articulate the nuances of
this relationship in detail.
At the heart of this relationship is the imperative to avoid
hypocrisy. In practical terms, this means rejecting the societal mindset of
“fake it until you make it.” Instead, we must strive to be genuine in
our interactions—emotionally present and engaged with others in thoughtful,
authentic ways. This approach not only signifies our personal growth but also
reflects our journey toward embodying what it means to be a Child of God in a transformative
relationship.
It’s essential to recognize that none of us is perfect. We
all carry our own insecurities and imperfections that require acknowledgment
and healing. Often, our fears, past traumas, and unresolved hurts can obstruct
our ability to love one another as Jesus loves us—unconditionally and
selflessly. This is why it is essential to tap into the transformative power of
Jesus that resides within our brothers and sisters in Christ. By drawing on
this strength, we can cultivate genuine love and compassion for others,
fostering deep connections that reflect the essence of Christ’s love in our
lives.
One profound teaching that Paul highlights is the call to
“love your enemies.” I distinctly remember the early lessons of my faith, which
emphasized that, in a more profound sense, we do not truly have enemies. Instead, when
we encounter individuals who challenge our beliefs or present opposing
viewpoints, we are encouraged to see them as “pre-Christians”—those who have
yet to experience the life-changing love and grace of Christ.
Rather than becoming entangled in their arguments or
fixating on the facts they present, we are invited to shift our focus toward
their genuine needs as human beings. It’s essential to recognize that they,
too, are created in the image of God and possess inherent worth and dignity.
Our mission is to reflect Christ’s love in these interactions, engaging with
them through authentic compassion and understanding. This means seeing beyond
their criticisms, seeking to understand their struggles, and extending empathy
as we navigate our differences. By doing so, we can connect with them not as
adversaries, but as fellow travelers on a journey, each in search of grace,
understanding, and hope.
The passages above profoundly illustrate the essential need
for the fruits of the Spirit as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23. These
fruits—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, and self-control—can only emerge from a transformative relationship
with Jesus Christ. It is crucial to understand that these virtues are not
intended to be kept in isolation or viewed as personal achievements; instead,
they are meant to be actively demonstrated through our interactions with
others.
This includes showing these qualities even to those who may
oppose or challenge us, which can indeed be a daunting task. However, engaging
in this practice is not just a test of our character; it is a profoundly
rewarding endeavor. Our ultimate goal is not to persuade or change the beliefs
of others—that responsibility lies with God—but to undergo a personal
transformation ourselves. By cultivating these fruits, we allow God to reshape
our hearts and minds, guiding us to become more Christlike in our thoughts,
actions, and relationships. In doing so, we reflect His love and grace to the
world around us in active ways.
Stephen Barnett
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