Moving in the Opposite Spirit!

Many times we must move in the opposite spirit of what our flesh wants to do.

When flesh wants to lash out, the Spirit says be still.
When flesh wants to complain, the Spirit says give thanks.
When flesh wants to retaliate, the Spirit says bless.
When flesh wants to panic, faith says laugh at destruction and famine.

That is not natural—but it is kingdom.

Jesus taught this clearly in Matthew 5, when He said to love your enemies, bless those who curse you, and do good to those who mistreat you. That is the exact opposite of how our flesh wants to respond. But Jesus never called us to follow our flesh. He called us to follow Him.

Sometimes the godliest response is not the fastest response. Sometimes wisdom looks like pausing. Sometimes maturity looks like counting to ten. Sometimes victory looks like staying quiet until your heart is under the control of the Holy Spirit.

So much damage is done by reactions that were never submitted to God.

The flesh is loud, but it is not trustworthy. The Spirit leads differently. He leads us into peace, wisdom, restraint, mercy, and strength.

Moving in the opposite spirit is not weakness. It is evidence that Jesus is changing you. It is a sign that you are no longer responding the way you used to before God got hold of your life.

Reflection Questions:
What situations tend to bring out a fleshly reaction in you?
Where is God calling you to respond differently?
Is there someone you need to bless instead of resent?

The Holy Spirit will help you respond with grace where you used to react in frustration. You are growing, and God is teaching you how to walk in victory!