THE
COVENANT RELATIONSHIP
GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, YOUR SOURCE FOR LOVE # 2
“[God’s]…love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13:8 NIV).
*
“...love is the fulfillment of the law...” (Romans 13:10 NASB). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:8 KJV). When the lost and spiritually dead soul is reconciled to God, the Holy Spirit, they are reconciled to HOLY LOVE. “… [He sent the] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “..[The lost and spiritually dead soul is]... reconciled to God by the death of his Son...” (Romans 5:10 KJV).
The lost and spiritually dead soul is not only reconciled to God, the Holy Spirit of LOVE, but it is also made WHOLE through this reconciliation.“…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).
Jesus RESTORES (repairs) the soul and reconciles it to God, who is HOLY LOVE. “…God is love…” (1 John 4:8 KJV). “..[The lost and spiritually dead soul is]... reconciled to God...[the Holy Spirit of HOLY LOVE]...” (Romans 5:10 KJV).
“….He restoreth my soul….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT).God is a “…restorer of thy life (spiritual life)…” (Ruth 4:15 KJV). “…He restoreth my SOUL…” (Psalm 23 KJV). “…The law of the LORD (the WORD of God) is perfect, restoring the SOUL…” (Psalm 19 NASB). “….He (the WORD OF GOD) restoreth my soul….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “…I (God, the Holy Spirit) will restore…” (Jeremiah 30:17 KJV).
God desires his people to prosper and be in GOOD health as their soul has prosper, which means he wants them restored and WHOLE mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially. “...I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers...” (3 John 2 NASB). “...For I will restore you to health'... declares the LORD..."' (Jeremiah 30:17 NASB). “...He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds (makes healthy)... (Psalms 147:3 NASB). “...[God, the Holy Spirit]...heals all your diseases (makes healthy)...” (Psalms 103:3 NASB). “...For You have delivered my soul from death (makes healthy),...” (Psalms 56:13 NASB). “...O LORD my God, I cried to You for help, and You healed me.(makes healthy)...” (Psalms 30:2 NASB).
Without having an adequate connection or resource of healthy or wholesome love, the human psyche is effected in a variety of ways. God’s HOLY LOVE is consistently demonstrated through his words and acts of kindness he does by choice and on purpose toward those he loves.
God, the HOLY SPIRIT of LOVE is LOVE. When HE chooses people to be in a “covenant unity” relationship with HIM, he forms a DEEP bond of love with them and connects on a very intimate, spiritual, level.“…“God with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…Love … the perfect BOND of UNITY...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB). “…He that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT…[with God, the Father through Jesus Christ, our Lord] …” (1 Corinthian 6:17 KJV).
When God, the Holy Spirit of LOVE restores the lost and spiritually dead soul by reconciling with them through Jesus Christ they BECOME “New Creations.” “..[The lost and spiritually dead soul is]... reconciled to God by the death of his Son (Jesus Christ)...” (Romans 5:10 KJV).“...Therefore if any man(woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a NEW CREATURE: old things are passed away; behold, ALL THINGS ARE BECOME (MADE) NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).
One of the directives for New Creations is “…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). “...Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will...” (Romans 12:2 NIV).
To CONFORM, in this chapter, will mean to behave in ways that REFLECT the dominant standards, attitudes, practices, abuses, mistreatments, shortcomings, etc. of the environments in which you currently exist or previously existed in.
The REASON a person CONFORMS to these dominant standards, attitudes, practices, abuses, mistreatments, shortcomings, etc. is to succeed in getting their NEEDS and human DESIRES met in the environments in which they exist.
CONFORMING to dominant standards, attitudes, practices, abuses, mistreatments, shortcomings, etc. requires FORMING behavior patterns (healthy or unhealthy), often without question, in order to create peace or harmony within that environment.
The environment (includes people too) trains you, inadvertently, to behave in ways that you are expected to behave, required to behave, or are have been forced to behave.
Whenever the CONFORMED person comes into a similar environment like the traditional one in which he or she was raised or trained to behave, they will automatically, unconsciously get into place and begin to comply with the established rules
One of the most prominent REASONS a person CONFORMS to these dominant standards, attitudes, practices, abuses, mistreatments, shortcomings, etc. is to get their NEED and human DESIRE for love met.
If the CONFORMED person NEVER gets their NEEDS or HUMAN DESIRES met, within the FIRST environment, they will develop and learn dysfunctional relationship patterns, they’ll repeat over and over again BECAUSE they’re familiar.
The FIRST environment created the dysfunctional relationship pattern, but because the CONFORMED person didn’t get their needs or human desires met they will continue to SEEK them in the SAME kind of environments.
When the CONFORMED person continues to SEEK their needs and human desires in the SAME kind of environments they WILL NEVER be fulfilled.
Thus, the CONFORMED person REPEATS experiences of feeling UNLOVABLE, UNWORTHY, being treated DISREPECTFUL and with little or NO attention, because it is what is familiar.
This dysfunctional relationship pattern has, obviously, affected the CONFORMED person in an adverse way. Feeling unloved or unworthy USUALLY stems from experiences or training within earlier environments.
Some individuals become desperate in their efforts to GAIN what they need or desire from their environments (whether it’s healthy or not). “…God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “….Human desire is NEVER SATISFIED…” (Proverbs 27:20 NLT). AND “…[Only God will]… satisfy …” (Jeremiah 31:25 NASB).
“...Do not conform [any longer]...to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind....” (Romans 12:2 NIV). ““…Take no thought, saying What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Where withal shall we be clothed? …your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things…” (Matthew 6:32 KJV). “… [Your heavenly Father] ... will supply all your [need]… according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB).
Every son and daughter of God WILL benefit from the providential CARE of their heavenly Father, who is God, the Holy Spirit of immutable LOVE. “... If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well....” (Matthew 6:30-33 NIV).
“...If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met...” (Matthew 6:30-33 MSG).
“…BLESSED be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who HATH BLESSED us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ…” (Ephesians 1:3 KJV).
There is NO VOID of LOVE in the lives of God’s people UNLESS they BELIEVE it is. “…Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things…” (Matthew 6:32 KJV). “…God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB).
“...[Jesus]...went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil …” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).“
"...[God]...will restore you to health. And [HE] will heal you of your wounds,' declares the LORD, 'Because they have called you an outcast..."' (Jeremiah 30:17 NASB). “...He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds ... (Psalms 147:3 NASB). “...[God, the Holy Spirit]...heals all your diseases...” (Psalms 103:3 NASB). “...O LORD my God, I cried to You for help, and You healed me...” (Psalms 30:2 NASB).
“… I, the Lord, am your healer…” (Exodus 15:26). THE LORD … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer (and “healer”)…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB).
It will take TIME to HEAL from dysfunctional relationship patterns, but it BEGINS with the NEW SOURCE and transforming YOUR MIND by learning to trust and depend upon God, the Holy Spirit of LOVE to meet your needs and desires. “…[God promises HE] will supply all [their]... NEED…” (John 12:32 KJV). “…God (the HOLY Spirit) is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).
“…God (the Holy Spirit) will generously PROVIDE all you need…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). “...He careth for [each of his people]...” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…The LORD (the indwelling Spirit) “WILL” accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [his people]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “…His DIVINE POWER hath given unto [his people] ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).
You were conformed by dysfunctional relationship patterns, then you BECAME a “New Creation.“…Therefore if any man(woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a new creature...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). Thus, “… Be not conformed to this world...[any longer].…” (Romans 12:2 KJV). “…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).
How are you CONFORMED into the IMAGE of Jesus? “…let ...[God, the]...Holy Spirit guide your lives. …” (Galatians 5 NLT). Follow God’s Words right out of dysfunction. “...The steps (every single step) of a good man (woman) are ordered (DIRECTED) by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way...” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). Change dysfunctional ways of thinking by READING God’s Word. “…Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind (from “old” ways of thinking)…” (Romans 12:2 KJV). “...old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).
Being changed into the IMAGE of Christ has GREAT PROFIT for the righteous! “..bodily discipline (conforming to a worldly image) is only of little profit, but godliness (conforming to a Godly image) is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NASB).
“...Physical training is good (for an outward image), but training for godliness (for a Christlike image) is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NLT)
“...You’ve been raised on the Message of the faith and have followed sound teaching. Now pass on this counsel to the followers of Jesus there, and you’ll be a good servant of Jesus. Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium (for body image) are useful (helps keep you healthy), but a disciplined life in God (developing the Christlike image) is far more so, making you fit (spiritually) both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we’ve thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We’re banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers...” (1 Timothy 4:8-10 MSG).
For the righteous, chasing after things and people outside of themselves has NO eternal value and the “little” value that it does have has a SHORT profitability. “...’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well....” (Matthew 6:32-33 NIV).
“..bodily discipline (outward pursuits) is only of little profit...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NASB).
“...Physical training is good (an outward pursuit), but...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NLT).
“...Workouts in the gymnasium (outward pursuits) are useful (helps keep you healthy), but...” (1 Timothy 4:8-10 MSG).
Outward pursuits for the purpose of being HEALTHY is fine. In order to be an USEFUL earthen vessel for the indwelling Holy Spirit exercise is PROFITABLE for the body.
After all, “…Jesus Christ is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…[you]…have this treasure in [your]…earthen vessel (body)...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).
Having a healthy and fit earthen vessel is advantageous for the temporary time the righteous is upon the earth as ambassadors for Christ. “...your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own ... therefore glorify God (be a witness of his presence, his goodness, and his power) in your body...” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NASB).
“...If any man (woman) destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him (her), for the temple (your body, earthen vessel) of God is Holy, and that is what you are...” (1 Corinthians 3:17 NASB).
“...No one hates his(her) own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church...” (Ephesians 5:29 NLT).
Remember, “The Son (Jesus Christ) is ...the exact representation (IMAGE) of his being…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…[you]…have this treasure in [your]…earthen vessel (body)...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV). “...your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you...” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NASB).
God’s people pursue, above ALL else, what will serve a DIVINE purpose; NOW and LATER. “..godliness (the Christlike image) is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NASB).
“...training for godliness (the Christlike image) is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come...” (1 Timothy 4:8 NLT).
“...a disciplined life in God (developing the Christlike image) is far more so, making you fit (spiritually) both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we’ve thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We’re banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers...” (1 Timothy 4:8-10 MSG).
The IDEAL or “your” old IDEAL of getting your needs and desires met will DO NOTHING, whatsoever, to PROMOTE a Christlike IMAGE!!! “…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).
The Christlike IMAGE is promoted when the righteous focus on and pursue lo becoming God, the Holy Spirit’s WITNESSES, above ALL else, and allow him to DISPLAY HIS glory “in” and “through” their earthen vessels. “...you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere (through your BODY or TEMPLE)...” (ACTS 1:8 NLT).
“...you (earthen vessels) will be my witnesses...” (ACTS 1:8 NLT).
“…Stephen, (an earthen vessel), performed great wonders and signs among the people…” (Acts 6:8 NIV). “…God did extraordinary MIRACLES through Paul (an earthen vessel)…” (Acts 19:11 NIV). “…I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and MIRACLES (God, himself, does through earthen vessels)…” (2 Corinthians 12:12 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in [earthen vessels], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).
It is “…God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of us (earthen vessels) who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us (earthen vessels) …… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).
However, God’s people CHOOSE, willingly to pursue and SEEK after God’s rule over their lives and his righteousness, KNOWING all other NEEDS and DESIRES will be provided for.“...If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met...” (Matthew 6:30-33 MSG).
God the Holy Spirit of LOVE is the SOURCE of love for his people at ALL TIMES! God says, “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).
“... If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well....” (Matthew 6:30-33 NIV).
“…the [“covenant unity” relationship with God, the] … HOLY SPIRIT … is the Source of [EVERYTHING]. …” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). When God, the Holy Spirit of Love becomes “your” SOURCE of LOVE it eradicates dysfunctional relationship patterns with others.
It may be unbelievable that God, the Holy Spirit, can eradicate your dysfunctional relationship patterns, because you’ve tried, possibly, for years and years, but it is NOT impossible for God. “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…The things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV). “….Jesus Christ (the WORD of GOD) maketh thee WHOLE (AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). God is a “…restorer of thy life…” (Ruth 4:15 KJV). “…He restoreth my SOUL …” (Psalm 23 KJV).
You are reconciled to God, the Holy Spirit of LOVE who eradicated and wiped-out ALL sin from your life. “...If the Son therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed…” (John 8:36 KJV). Sins you’ve personally committed and those committed against you, so that you are FREE to live the LIFE Jesus died for you to have. “... It was for freedom that [God, through]...Christ set us free; therefore.... do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery...” (Galatians 5:1 NASB).
“...It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then?...” (Galatians 5:13 MSG). “...brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another...” (Galatians 5:13 KJV).
With God, the Holy Spirit of LOVE, his people can WALK in FREEDOM from past pains, heartbreaks, abuses, disappointments, mistreatments, and any other dysfunction. “….Jesus Christ (the WORD of GOD) maketh thee WHOLE (AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “...He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds ... (Psalms 147:3 NASB). “…is there any thing too hard for me?...” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “...[It is]...possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV). “
…God will supply all [his people’s need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). GOD says, “…I… satisfy …” (Jeremiah 31:25 NASB).
ONLY GOD CAN SATISFY his people’s NEED FOR LOVE: “…YOU SATISFY ME MORE THAN THE RICHEST FEAST …” (Psalms 63:1-5 NLT).
HE IS THEIR SOURCE FOR LOVE AND THERE IS NO OTHER. “[YOUR] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).
