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Dear brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus, part of the growing repentance remnant, cleansing as His Bride, getting ready for His soon return as our Bridegroom-----
Loose, strident words and the threat of increasing violence mark 1,000 demonstrations in the USA today. Protesting ICE operations led to a death the other day. It's far past time for you and me, especially pastors/ priests and public servants, anyone born again in the Christ/Messiah with a national voice, to use our better angels--the Sword of the Spirit and the whole armor of God-- the Ways of Jesus, including meekness, humility, the Words of God, all the Fruits of the Spirit, starting with love, and including KINDNESS, to begin to bring --along with repentance---His Peace again to our nation.
We've seen that meekness is not weakness but spiritual power under control. We've seen that humility is the powerful Way of Jesus and of the first believers to bless others. We've seen that the Word of God brings alive the whole armor of God. One key place in those Words is found in Galatians 5:18-26. Among the key Fruits of the Holy Spirit, verse 22, is KINDNESS.
Kindness leads to perhaps one of the most difficult virtues to attain, self control. Self control is a key virtue for any of us, especially vital for any public servant. We see this modeled by our current Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson. May his demeanor and Godly wisdom spread throughout Congress and the White House.
May it be a good model for each of us-- may these Fruits of the Holy Spirit, including kindness, be a part of your "Resolutions" for calendar year 2026.
Here's the footnote on kindness found in the New Spirit Filled Life Bible, p 1638: "Strong's #5544: Goodness in action, sweetness of disposition, gentleness in dealing with others, benevolence, kindness, affability. The word describes the ability to act for the welfare of those taxing your patience. The Holy Spirit removes abrasive qualities from the character of one under His control."
Yes, legal, ICE police action needs to be strong and purposeful. However, kindness instead of inflammatory words is now called for by all in national leadership. A kind word, " a gentle tongue, breaks a bone" (Proverbs 25:15). " He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. " (Proverbs 16:32).
Romans 12:9-21 speaks to all of us, more than ever today in this divided USA, needing a national day of repentance. Here are those verses in the Complete Jewish Bible version:
" Don’t let love be a mere outward show. Recoil from what is evil, and cling to what is good. Love each other devotedly and with brotherly love; and set examples for each other in showing respect. Don’t be lazy when hard work is needed, but serve the Lord with spiritual fervor. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in your troubles, and continue steadfastly in prayer. Share what you have with God’s people, and practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you — bless them, don’t curse them! Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be sensitive to each other’s needs — don’t think yourselves better than others, but make humble people your friends. Don’t be conceited. Repay no one evil for evil, but try to do what everyone regards as good. If possible, and to the extent that it depends on you, live in peace with all people. Never seek revenge, my friends; instead, leave that to God’s anger; for in the Tanakh it is written,
“Adonai says, ‘Vengeance is my responsibility; I will repay.’”On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For by doing this, you will heap fiery coals [of shame] on his head.”
Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good."
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