Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Tim. 6:12)Imagine how it was to watch Jesus interact with Judas, the one who betrayed him. He did not operate in anything other than Himself. Jesus is love as He and the Father are One. He is the epitome of forgiveness and he is always good. The Word tells us Jesus is the lamb slain before the foundations of the world. The Word also tells us he is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
When Judas became a follower, Jesus knew he was going to commit treason; when he became a disciple, he would betray Him. When Judas became an apostle Jesus knew he would turn him over to judgment. Jesus saw Judas' beginning from his end, yet he walked with him, talked with him, taught him, loved him, and died for him. As Jesus hung on the cross after suffering insurmountable persecution, He prayed to the Father saying, "forgive them for they know not what they do." Yes, Jesus' prayer included Judas.
As I reflect on the character and corresponding actions of Jesus, I understand, as He is, so am I in this world (1 John 4:17). I want to encourage you from this reflection to be as He is here in the earth. Jesus loved without fear. I am not suggesting you continue with those who are deceivers and full of betrayal, but I am suggesting you walk by faith and not by sight. Love in faith. Live by faith to fulfill all God has sent you to do.
Understand this, God so loved the world that He gave His Son. Then He anointed, endued and empowered Jesus with His Spirit to preach the gospel to the poor, heal the broken hearted, and restore sight to the blind. Again as Jesus is, so are we.
I also want to encourage you to walk in love and fight the good fight of faith without concern about who is with you or against you. Remember the Greater One resides on the inside of you. You are more than a conqueror through Him. The Lord told Joshua not to be not dismayed and not to look to his left nor to his right. He is saying the same to you and me. He is with us wherever we go.
We are the body of the Living God. We must walk with one another, love one another, and forgive one another. Be confident if and when a Judas appears in the camp, there is nothing he or she can do to stop the plans and purpose of the Almighty God. The more you love and forgive a Judas, the more like Jesus you have become.
Judas' betrayal led to the death, burial, and resurrection of Our Lord. His betrayal gave us access to redemption with the ability to have fellowship with Our Father. Judas' deception made a reservation for Jesus, you and me to be seated at the right hand of the Father. God is with you and no weapon formed will ever prosper. Judas may come to bring havoc and chaos, but he will only propel you into your destiny and all the good Jesus has finished on your behalf.
You may be experiencing a hardship with working with people. Ask God to reveal to you those who are with you because they are for Him. Ask God to give you the ability to discern how to work with people where they are that He may get the glory from the situation or circumstance.
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