Hosanna Restoration Church

If we were to read this scripture as though God were asking us a question, we might find our selves answering quickly with a “yes of course” to the first two questions and having to ponder the last two a bit. The key here is to make these truths reality in our own lives.

If indeed there is encouragement in belonging to Christ, then we should never be discouraged right. But the truth is that we sometimes are. Why? Well, because we do not take the encouragement that Christ lavishes on those who love and trust Him. Many things may come at us in our lives that are very discouraging in the natural, but that is when we are to look to Christ who will lift us over and set us on a place above the trouble. So then, there is for sure encouragement for all in Christ. This encouragement becomes a reality to the believer when they receive it. It is ours for the taking.

Is there any comfort from God’s love? Of course there is. But again are we taking it. How many times have you seen people who refuse to be comforted? How many times have you refused to be comforted? How often have you heard someone say God loves you and it was no big deal? Think about that. Just the mention of the love of God should stir the Spirit within us. Are you experiencing the comfort of God’s love? You know, we do not have to be in mess to be refreshed by His love.

Is there any fellowship together in the Spirit? Do you think this just means between you and me and other believers? Yes there should of course be that. But is there fellowship with you and with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Do you have such fellowship that it draws others to the party so to speak? Is there this tight and wonderful fellowship when you are with Him or with others of like faith? Is the love of God being received and passed around in our lives.

Are our hearts tender and sympathetic, or are they hard and pathetic? Are we selective with our tenderness, or are we unconditional. Are we sympathetic with every need and with everyone who is needy? Are we Christ-like in our words, actions, and thoughts? “That is just not possible,” many would like to say. But the truth is that with God this is more than a possibility, it is the promised result of belonging to Christ. Christ in us, that is our hope of glory. We need only to allow Him to work Himself out in us.

So then to this verse I would have to say that my answers would be. Yes of course there is comfort and encouragement and I need to be sure and focus on Christ and receiving them more. I have fellowship with God and with others, but there is much room for improvement. As for the tender and sympathetic heart it needs to be much more consistent. I am sure glad that God is able work with this piece of clay.