God's love is so beyond what we can ever comprehend. Even after coming down in human form to suffer and die at the hands of His creation, His love for us has not diminished. God does not hate anyone... just our sin. We must pray and ask Him for the empowerment, and the spirit to love as He loves and to hate sin and evil as He does, because when we love God and others, and continue walking in love as Christians should and are commanded to do, then and only then can we satisfy all the other commandments Jesus said that we can. Spiritual transformation starts in the mind and heart.

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After accepting Christ (the circumcision of the heart) we are instructed to live and walk in love, obedience and faith. The Christian faith is to walk in truth daily. Our lives should attest to our belief in God's laws, statutes, precepts and commandments. Our decisions and actions in life will please God if we trust Him enough to live by His Word. God's promises are not slack or lacking (John 8:32-33; Genesis 6:5-22). The more we submit to God's word, and stand under it, the more confidently we can walk. Let everything we hear and think be conformed to His words and let's abide in them. God's Word is life! It's alive and it gives life. (Psalms 103, 109, 119:1-3).

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True believers don't sit in stagnant water. They know they must keep on moving forward like a gale-force wind, living their lives by the power contained in each promise of the word of God and in the liberty He afforded us. A person can be tempted to view freedom in Christ as selfish opportunity for the flesh... in other words, as an opportunity to do whatever one wants to do however true Christian liberty is the freedom to serve one another in love. Christians do not live under the law of Moses, but instead under "the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). Living in Christ, empowers us to love others, which is the fulfillment of the Lord (see Jesus' summary of the law and the prophets in Matthew 22:36-40). We are to show our faith in Him, by showing others true "agape" love (love that is by choice or one's will, not sentimental feeling).

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If a Christian believer doesn't have faith, love and respect for God, it will be difficult to walk in truth or act upon the truth (God's words) in faith and love others. Failure to walk in faith will also limit and postpone your answer to prayer. As the Scripture said, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6)**

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Walking in the Body

All believers are part of the body of Christ, and not just of a specific local Church. All believers are united in Christ because the church is the one body of Christ. God formed this new body from Jews and Gentiles with His Son as the head. Through Jesus' death, God reconciled sinful people to Himself and this reconciliation with God should have full effect on earth. People who were normally divided, like Jews and the Gentiles in the first century, were reconciled to each other through Christ. Believers are to live out the spiritual truth of being joined together through Christ. Whether Jews or Gentiles, we are to work together to make the unity of the church a reality. And church members have to unite against the forces of evil. Every believer has to play his or her part in order for the whole body to function properly. Each person has to display Christ's love, patience, humility, and gentleness as each uses the gift(s) they were given to build up the church. From parent to child, employer to employee, each person has a unique task in the body of Christ. (Ephesians 5:22-33).

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Walking in the Spirit

To walk as Christians also means that we must not follow our sinful desires, because when and if we do, we will begin to question, criticize and contend with one another. Such self-centered behavior is self-defeating. Those who criticize and attack usually end up being consumed in worthless struggles. Our lives should attest to our beliefs in God laws. The only consistent way to overcome the sinful desires of our human nature (the flesh) is to live step-by-step in the power of the Holy Spirit as He works through our spirit (Galatians 5:25). Walking each moment by faith in God's word under the spirit's control assures absolute victory over the desires of our sinful nature.

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The potential of the flesh energized by Satan in the life of a Christian should not be underestimated. (See Galatians 5:15-16). If we give our flesh free reign, the flesh will direct our choices, making us do what we should not do. This inner conflict between the flesh and the Spirit is very real. Our spirit can get trapped by our thoughts, body and mind (Matt. 12:34-35). To let our sinful nature (our natural nature, worldly habits, patterns) continue after salvation/justification is to play with fire, so it is imperative to overcome the flesh in order for the spirit in us to dictate to the flesh and be the conductor that connects us to Holy Spirit. The desires of our flesh are at odds with the Holy Spirit's desires for us (to be free from sin). The works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21) go well beyond, the destructive contentions and jealousies mentioned in v. 15. Where there is such a behavior, it is positive proof that the person is not living in the power of the Holy Spirit (vv. 16, 22, 23) but is being energized by Satan and his hosts (see Matthew 16:23; Acts 5:3).**

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We must realize that God will not tolerate sin in any fashion. (Jeremiah 3:13, Psalms 51). "The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; who can know it? I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings." (Jeremiah 17:9-10). It is a vain attempt to "mock" God, for a Christian to think that if he sows to his or her flesh he/she can escape the harvest of destruction and judgment (corruption) that comes upon those that participate in sin (Galatians 5:19-21; Hosea 8:7). Corruption is a term used for a field in which the produce is too rotten to harvest (see Hebrews 6:8). Some may interpret corruption to imply eternal destruction, either through losing salvation or through never having been truly saved at all. Others interpret it to be a tragic loss of rewards for the carnal believer (see 1 Corinthians 3: 12-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 22:12). He who sows to the spirit will reap everlasting life, and that does not mean that eternal life is earned by works, rather everlasting life is the glorious end of those who follow the guidance of the Spirit (see Romans 6:22).**

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Christian believers are spiritually "crucified with Christ" (Galatians 2:20). We no longer have to follow the values or desires of the world (Galatians 6:14). However, it remains difficult for the Christian to apply this reality to the passions (affections) and desires (lusts) of the flesh (v.16). Those who have overcome (mastered) these sinful desires are those who have kept their focus on God (see Jeremiah 9:23, 24; Daniel 11:32; John 17:3; Hebrews 12:1-2). Walking in the spirit should be natural, but unfortunately we are at war with the flesh. To walk in the spirit means to obey the prompting of the Holy Spirit. The believer who is living a spirit-lead life will not become conceited, provoke, envy or hate others. We are to love one another.

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God seeks those who worship Him in spirit, when we are completely surrendered to Him (1 Thessalonians 5:23). We are a spirit, we have a soul, we are not a body, we live IN a body, the body is the shell we live in. We are spiritual houses, our body is the temple, the host for the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 6; 2 Chronicles 7:1-3; Isaiah 43; Matthew 26; Ezekiel 3:1-16) When we die we are relieved of our outer shell. (Ephesians 4:4, Romans 13). The soul is the intellect of emotion, the spirit is the real us, the only part that knows God. The full us is a spirit, but the full us has a soul and a body. Our soul is the personality of the real us. The spirit is the only one that can worship Him, and our body (should) submit to the spirit. Our spirit worships, and our body and soul should submit to our spirit. Worship brings us into fellowship and union with the Lord. Praise and thanksgiving brings Him closer... it brings God out... it brings God on the scene. Praise and worship is a weapon against the enemy. We worship Him for who He is.

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Walking in the Word Not the Flesh

The Word of God is incorruptible. It is the sword of the spirit and it is stronger than any other force. In order to walk as we should, it is essential to read God's words everyday with understanding (ask God for wisdom, knowledge, understanding and to peel scales from our eyes so we can walk in faith as doers according to His Word). It is imperative to pray often as well. God is our father and our role is to love Him, obey Him and love others, so when something comes our way that may tempt us to say or do or "try", we are to take a deep breath, be silent and listen keenly to what the bible calls the "still, small voice" (1 Kin 19:12) which some call "the voice of the Lord" and what others say is our conscience, that tells us not to go, say, do, or try. By following the Spirit in this way, we can avoid the guilt and regret that often comes after giving into the flesh.

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We should not live with regrets... or worse, die with them, then face the judgment seat with the shame of having to give account for the things Jesus had given us the power through and by His blood to overcome. The grave is full of regrets... let's not do that. Nowhere in scripture does it even say that God hates Satan, just that "God hates sin and evil..."If only the dead could talk to those who are alive... need we say more?! Love conquers all. The Father will take care of the disobedient ones in His way and timing. A Christian should examine his/her works to see if he/she is following Christ's example (see 1 Corinthians 11:31; 2 Corinthians 13:5) instead of judging and examining others. With the decisive act of accepting Christ (circumcision of the heart), the flesh with its passions and desires (Galatians 5:24) was also crucified. So was the world with all of its continuing attractions (see 2 Corinthians 5:17).**

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Those who live according to the example of Christ, the Father and the new creation (Galatians 6:14,15) are in contrast with those who are desiring to make a good impression through circumcision and keeping the law (v. 12,13). We have to be careful of the flesh because "the carnal mind (our flesh) is enmity against God." (Romans 8:7). Jesus said that He came so that we might have eternal life and have it more abundantly. In this life through the indwelling of the Spirit, Christians are developing a capacity to experience Christ to the fullest in the life to come. By no means does this imply that "good works" are not rewarding for Christian believers. In fact, they are an important fruit of the faith (Galatians 5:5) that God has planned for each believer (see Ephesians 2:8-10). In Galatians 5:19-23, Paul the Apostle describes the attitudes and actions of those controlled by the "flesh" versus those controlled by the Spirit. In vv. 7-9, the Apostle shows the impact of those two contradictory ways over the length of a Christian's life (see 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 22:12).

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Walking Away from Sin

We can keep from growing desensitized to sin by seeking with all of our hearts and minds the truth that God has provided. This means reading, studying, and meditating deeply upon God's Holy Word, the Bible. This should be done with much prayer, always seeking God's will for our lives. Good scriptures for us in this regard are: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Tim. 2:15) and "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned and received, and heard, and seen in me, do; and the God of peace shall be with you." (Philippians 4:8-9).

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Walking Through Trials and Temptations

The focus of James chapter 1 turns from trials (vv. 2-12) to temptations (vv 13-18) "Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am tempted by God'; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone." Enticement to sin does not come from God. God will never deliberately lead a person to commit sin because that would not only go against His nature, but it would be opposed to His purpose of molding His creation into His Holy image. Yet God does sometimes place His people in adverse circumstances for the purpose of building godly character (see Gen 22:1,12).

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Trials are of outward circumstances, conflicts, sufferings, and troubles--encountered by ALL believers. Trials are not pleasant and may be extremely grievous, but we as believers are to consider them as opportunities for rejoicing. Troubles and difficulties are TOOLS which refine and purify our faith, producing patience and endurance. (James 1:3) The word translated "testing of your faith" occurs only there and in 1 Pet. 1:7.**

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The term, which means "tested" or "approved" was used for coins that were genuine and not debased. The aim of testing IS NOT to DESTROY or AFFLICT, BUT to PURGE and REFINE. It is to be essential to a Christian's maturity, for even Abraham's faith had to be tested (see Gen.22:1-8). The meaning of patience transcends the idea bearing affliction; it includes the idea of standing fast under pressure, with a staying power that turns adversities into opportunities. If a believer endures trials, he or she will be perfect, meaning "having reached the end," and complete, meaning, "whole."**

In James 1:1-4, 14,15 "Drawn away and enticed express the intensity with which desire lures and individual until he or she is tragically entrapped. Sin does not force itself on the unwilling, but is chosen because of its attractions. Conceived suggests the image of a person's will bending toward and finally seizing evil. This same idea is vividly illustrated by the tragic path of an addict: A habit once acquired by an individual completely controls that person in the end. Full-grown suggests bringing a goal to completion. The idea here is that sin has reached its maturity and has possessed the very character of the individual. Death here refers to physical death (see Prov 10:27, 11:19; Rom 8:13).

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The conclusion of the introduction of James (vv. 2-18) is that enduring trials leads to a crown of life (v. 12) and yielding to temptation can lead to death (v. 15). Since that is the case, believers in the midst of trials need to be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath, don't you think? These three exhortations reveal the outline of this letter (see 1:21-2:26 for "swift to hear"; 3:1-18 for "slow to speak"; 4:1-5:18 for "slow to wrath").

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The believer who endures trials (1 Pet. 1:12) demonstrates that he or she loves Jesus and therefore will receive the crown of life (see Rev. 1:10) at the judgment seat of Christ. The Bible describes the believer's rewards (see Cor. 5:1; Rev. 22:12) under various vivid images such as precious metals (see 1 Cor. 3:8-14), garments (Rev. 3:5, 18; 19:7,8), and crowns (see 1 Cor. 9:25; Rev. 2:10; 3:11) Even though there are more underlying meanings here.

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Walking With Others

Those not controlled by the Holy Spirit tend to boast by comparing themselves to fallen believers (Galatians 6:3-4) often falling into the sin of resentment, disgust or hatred. Nowhere in scripture does it even say that God hates Satan, just that "God hates sin and evil" and so should we. God's holiness is never limited. If evil were to run its course, all of humanity would be destroyed but God is not blocked by Satan in any way shape or form. We are to reach out to fallen believers... carefully. The same way a doctor can catch a disease from treating a patient, so one restoring a fallen sinner can be tempted to fall into sin. That danger is well worth considering. We have to be on guard against this brand of sin but it is part of our walk to help other Christians out of the burden of their sin. A believer devastated by sin needs to be approached with gentleness (6:23) by fellow believers. One must be careful not to get caught off guard at a vulnerable time, because our adversaries are waiting for such a moment. (Galatians 6:1).

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Choosing to bear or restore another Christians' burdens from sin (Galatians 6:1) is precisely what Christ expects from all believers, (just as He did). Anyone who concludes that he is something special, through shortsighted self-comparison with those who seems to have fallen, truly deceives himself. One important way to bear other believers burdens (v. 2) is to share in all good things including financial support, with one who teaches God word. After all teachers and preachers work hard in their ministry (see 1 Timothy 5:17).**

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"Love will cover a multitude of sin" (1 Peter 4:8). "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." (1 John 4:11). Apart from salvation (God's gift of love to us through the death of His Son), the wisdom of God is one of the greatest gifts. James 2:8-18 says, "If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself,' you'll do well; but if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all." The royal law here is the law of love, to "love your neighbor" (see James 1:25; Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:39; John 13:34,35), a law superior to ALL other laws. If you show partiality, you commit sin: James alludes to Leviticus 19:15, which prohibits favoritism to either the poor or the rich.**

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Christians are not only to serve one another in love (see Galatians 6:2; 5:13), we also should do good to non-Christians. We must love one another and keep on walking in love no matter what, and the only anger we should have, entertain or express is righteous anger, as it is written "be angry and sin not." One can be angry and not sin... it's called righteous anger. Unrighteous anger is not of God, so we have to be very careful about letting it dwell in us. We also must NOT hate ANYONE, regardless of who they are or what they have done. Yes we may hate what someone has done, said or become, but we must stay in the Father's love, just as our Lord Jesus demonstrates, He loves us even when we're not lovable.

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Walking Through Galatia and Ephesus

Galatians 5:6 says, "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love." Ephesians 1:4-6 says, "He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy without blame before Him in love ("agape"... the love that is by choice or one's will, not just a sentimental feeling) having predestined us to adoption as sons and daughters by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved."

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Predestination is not a cold-hearted determinism or set faith, but rather a loving choice on God's part. 'Beloved' may translate 'the One He Loves', namely Jesus. In Colossians 1:13, Paul the Apostle uses the title 'the Son of His Love.' 'The beloved' is also a messianic title, referring to God's Son. Jesus is not simply one among others who are loved by God, He is the Beloved Son.**

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Ephesians 1:7-9 "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace, which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself."

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The word "redemption" means "buy back" or "ransom." In ancient times, one could buy back a person who was sold into slavery. In the same way, Jesus Christ through His death bought us out of our slavery to sin. The blood of Christ is the means by which our redemption comes. The Old and New Testament both clearly teach that there is no forgiveness without the shedding of blood. Blood here is the a vivid symbolic equivalent of death. It recalls the sacrificial system of the old covenant, which looked forward of the self-sacrifice of Jesus Christ that took away the sin of the world.**

The mystery is not a puzzle to solve, or knowledge only for the few and the initiated, as in the mystery religions of Paul's day. The word Paul uses, (mystery) refers to an aspect of God's will that was once hidden or obscure, but now was being revealed by God (Rom 11:25).**

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Ephesians 1:10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth--in Him. The word dispensation means "house rule." The God administration or arrangement of all history to fulfill His plan of salvation. While God never changes, ** Ephesians 1:11-12 His plan for the salvation of humanity has never changed. In this context, dispensation probably refers to the time when God will establish His eternal kingdom. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praises of His glory.

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Additional Thoughts

Doubting God means "to divide one's mind" or "to debate." The term does not describe a momentary doubt but a divided allegiance, an uncertainty. We must have faith with no doubts (James 1:6,8; See also James 4:8; Mark 11:23; Psalm 119:113)

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Of faith, charity, and love the most important is LOVE; help each other, treat other in the ways we want JESUS to treat us; Be a Christian of ACTION not words alone (James 1:21-27). Jesus said, "if we love our father/mother, (sons and daughters/families) more than we love Him, then we are not worthy of Him (Matthew 10:37) Do we ask ourselves, what we love more, (our job, or money) than Him? Remember all of us who do His will are His body also, Christ is to be loved, respected and blessed not rejected, just as His temple needs to be loved. Love is also a choice! not based on feelings alone!

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GOD said for us to "GIRD UP THE LOINS OF YOUR MIND and BE SOBER" (1 Peter 1:13-21) renewing and strengthening our minds and thoughts and (James 1:2-8, v. 12-25) for trials and patience to be perfected.

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Comments: Believers who hear the Word of God (James 1:19) must receive it with a teachable spirit (v. 21) applying it to their daily lives. To hear and not obey is to be deceived.

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world (Titus 2:1-2).

Our right to choose is our right to lose (Jeremiah 3:10-20; Psalms 107). God called us to righteousness, and our life should be centered around the Lord, We win or lose in what we choose.

Salvation is by faith alone and not through works or human striving.

God's word is seed and sometimes it takes time to grow. (John 1:1)

God is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

God is light, love, (John 4:8-16), justice, wrath and anger (Revelation 14:9-14), merciful, gracious, faithful and powerful (Psalms 93).

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** From the Nelson Study Bible, copyright 1997 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission