I was listening to a podcast by @reviveourhearts just the other day called "Develop Virtue by Being Rather than Doing" and when Nancy said this, it totally impacted me. It reminded me of 1 Corinthians 13:1-3...In this portion of Scripture, there's so much virtuous behavior, but all this, without Love, is described as "clanging cymbals". Just noise that'll fade away. It's so so important that we serve the Lord out of LOVE and not out of OBLIGATION. Because what happens when we serve out of obligation is this...an outward transformation, but never one that is heart-deep. This makes people resent God and feel burdened with their checklist of good deeds. Serving out of Love is different. He gives you the strength to serve with joy, and as a result of knowing Him, virtue begins to flow out of your life. And instead of condemning those who don't live out your definition of virtuous, you're able to truly love them with the Love of God, and inspire them to want to know Him for themselves. ❤️
The Pharisees of the Lord's day were quite virtuous- on the outside. But on the inside, they were envious, boastful, prideful, and self-righteous. They believed they were better than others and looked down on those who weren't like them. The Lord Jesus didn't appreciate that; He loves a humble and contrite spirit more than any impressive list of good deeds. If you're up for a challenge, keep reading. It's time for a heart check😊 If you'd like to know if you have a virtuous heart, read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
Wherever you see the word "love" or "charity" being described, substitute your name in. Now be honest with yourself. Would those at home (those who know you best) describe you this way? [If not, don't be discouraged, we all have room to grow! Just commit to not staying the same, but letting God work in your heart. ❤️]
Let's remember to cultivate a virtuous heart, from the inside out.
God bless you! -Jas
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