AHH!! D: D:
Lemme put it this way...You're 40 years more ancient than me.
Hi Astropho,
I cannot even imagine myself absorbing these teachings when I was 15, at that age (in 1969) I was totally immersed in the counter culture of that time period, my religion was rock and roll and all the various hedonistic activities that can be associated with those days.
I can only thank God that I am here to talk about it and not in the grave or in prison, there are more than a few of my old mates who can't say the same thing.
In regard to loving our enemies, having patience with those who tend to annoy or frustrate us, having empathy or even sympathy for those whose actions offend us and being gentle with the brutish, are these the things that constitute the armor (KJV armour) of the Lord? Is it the manifestation of the fruit of His Spirit? Can we really grow in wisdom if we still fall short of these things? Galatians 5 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
If we are not attentive to this and we still justify our own intemperance toward others does our armor have holes in it? I have found in my own experience when I fail in this and am not diligently in prayer to God to overcome this carnal weakness that I am very prone to other temptations. Ephesians 6 10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Peace,
Joe