Our God’s lovingkindness abounds toward us. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who love and worship Him. His compassionate fatherly concerns make Him sensitive to our needs. He longs to help us. We live in a hostile world influenced by the devil, so indeed we need His help. However, we must humbly allow Him in our lives for He will not violate our free will.
1 Peter 5:6-9
Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith….
God can and will help as we do our part. Humble, sober, on alert and resisting the adversary with faith are all necessary to compete in this marathon spiritual battle. To maintain a sober mind is imperative which includes self-control, prudence, sensibility, and the avoidance of irrational thinking stimulated by emotions or misinformation. Soberness is a lot more than the avoidance of drunkenness but certainly encompassing of it. Intoxication makes it impossible to be spiritual, sober, and alert.
God’s lovingkindness has allowed us to be born again to a new and glorious life, so we should respond accordingly.
1 Peter 1:13-14
Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance
Yahweh’s lovingkindness assures us that each day we live is another day closer to the return of Jesus, so we should maintain sound judgement and a sober mind.
1 Peter 4:7
The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.
Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.
Blessings in Christ,
Vinnie
