How's Your Conscience
1 Timothy 1:5 "The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith."
How can we be filled with love that comes from a pure heart? What is a "pure heart" anyway?! I believe that it is a heart that focuses on the 'pure' things of God. Kindness, gentleness, service, peace, joy, self control, love, faithfulness, goodness, gentleness.... these things we are to focus on and share with others. We are to always be looking for good in others. We are to share the love of Jesus in all places and in all things that we do. THAT can only come from a "pure heart".
"A clear conscience" - well, now that is a bit different. A conscience is not seen by others. It is only personal to us, and us alone. Yes, God knows what we are thinking and feeling, LOL even before we realize it ourselves. However, just because He already knows it, doesn't make it "clear" to/for us. We have to do something to have this. WE have to be the ones that 'clear' it. How do we do this? By talking to God, through prayer and "confessing" to God what we have done, that goes against all of the things that allow us to have a 'pure heart'. Basically, it is going to our Daddy and ratting on ourselves, the things that have cause hurt, pain, or separation between us and Him as well as us and others.
The last part "genuine faith" is a little tricky. Easy - yet hard. For us adults that have lived a few years, we have been knocked around a few times, and have learned a lot of lessons! Some the hard way. Due to those 'lessons' we are not as quick to trust and believe in things or people. That is ok - we are to be wise in our actions and choices... but, we are called to have "child-like faith" not in people, places or things, but in God and God alone. Our 'genuine faith' comes from complete and utter trust in God, His word, His promises, and His mercy and grace towards us. Do you believe that He loves you? That He died and rose again for YOU? Do you believe the promises He tells us in the bible are for YOU? Even when you don't see with your own eyes, do you still believe? Well, then that is genuine faith. Not understanding when, where or how He is going to move and work in your life and the lives of others - is trusting in Him and His word. Believing that Jesus is our Savior, Friend, Brother. Today, lets clear our conscience by talking to Him and confessing anything that is keeping us from having these three things here: a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and understanding, to gain these things. I'm telling you - God's mercy and grace WILL give these to you, if you truly want to have them! Be blessed, well, and safe today! KNOW that I am praying for you as you do these things alongside with me.
How can we be filled with love that comes from a pure heart? What is a "pure heart" anyway?! I believe that it is a heart that focuses on the 'pure' things of God. Kindness, gentleness, service, peace, joy, self control, love, faithfulness, goodness, gentleness.... these things we are to focus on and share with others. We are to always be looking for good in others. We are to share the love of Jesus in all places and in all things that we do. THAT can only come from a "pure heart".
"A clear conscience" - well, now that is a bit different. A conscience is not seen by others. It is only personal to us, and us alone. Yes, God knows what we are thinking and feeling, LOL even before we realize it ourselves. However, just because He already knows it, doesn't make it "clear" to/for us. We have to do something to have this. WE have to be the ones that 'clear' it. How do we do this? By talking to God, through prayer and "confessing" to God what we have done, that goes against all of the things that allow us to have a 'pure heart'. Basically, it is going to our Daddy and ratting on ourselves, the things that have cause hurt, pain, or separation between us and Him as well as us and others.
The last part "genuine faith" is a little tricky. Easy - yet hard. For us adults that have lived a few years, we have been knocked around a few times, and have learned a lot of lessons! Some the hard way. Due to those 'lessons' we are not as quick to trust and believe in things or people. That is ok - we are to be wise in our actions and choices... but, we are called to have "child-like faith" not in people, places or things, but in God and God alone. Our 'genuine faith' comes from complete and utter trust in God, His word, His promises, and His mercy and grace towards us. Do you believe that He loves you? That He died and rose again for YOU? Do you believe the promises He tells us in the bible are for YOU? Even when you don't see with your own eyes, do you still believe? Well, then that is genuine faith. Not understanding when, where or how He is going to move and work in your life and the lives of others - is trusting in Him and His word. Believing that Jesus is our Savior, Friend, Brother. Today, lets clear our conscience by talking to Him and confessing anything that is keeping us from having these three things here: a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and understanding, to gain these things. I'm telling you - God's mercy and grace WILL give these to you, if you truly want to have them! Be blessed, well, and safe today! KNOW that I am praying for you as you do these things alongside with me.
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