imagination , I see this beautiful , bold purple robe ; representing our royal lineage . It is adorned with rare embellishments like GOLD which symbolizes our pure heart and how much God values our commitment to be that shining light so men can see Him . This garment would also have a lining of SILVER that represents the inner strength and maturity we possess and our ability to persevere and endure when standing in the face of the enemy . Just like the silver , no matter how “ intense ” the persecution gets , we are able to withstand and are refined in our walk with Christ as a result . There are also , RUBIES on the hood of this garment that showcases the wisdom we practice , so we don ’ t behave out of character . This precious jewel of “ Love ” shows our unique ability to make right choices and decisions ; we see through the eyes of wisdom before we react or respond . We understand that our life is a living testimony to the goodness of God . Lastly , there is a large DIAMOND , centered directly over the heart , which symbolizes the rare gift we have to hear the heart of God and share His love . We recognize that if or when we are faced with persecution , it ’ s not the person who is against us but the evil one ( the enemy ) that is trying to kill our witness and separate us from the love of our great God . This beautiful garment of love is handcrafted by the Master and engrained with power and strength . The Creator of this garment gives it its namesake , His signet authenticating its source of pure love and our ability to wear it as we are His heirs ; sons and daughters of the
Lord Most High .
NO THANK YOU , “ I ’ M IN A RE- LATIONSHIP
I want you to think about a parent / child relationship . After spending time with your parent , you begin to understand their temperament and their character ; you start to better understand what their likes and dislikes are . It ’ s only natural that over time we may begin to take on some of our parent ’ s character or behavior simply because they are our parents and we only know to do what they tell us and show us . Parents become our source and we look to them to lead and guide us until we are able to take care of ourselves . Our relationship with God is no different . We give our lives to God and then we begin to spend time with Him by reading His word . We begin to get a better understanding of His character and we follow His examples so that we can be just like Him when we “ grow up ”. We begin to learn that God is love and He wants us to love others . So , how do we show God that we value our relationship with Him ? When we are persecuted , what choices do we have ? Let ’ s take a look at God ’ s word in John , chapter 15 . I like to think of this lesson as the “ root and the fruit ”! In this chapter , Jesus makes a comparative analysis between a branch and a vine . He starts by telling us that He is the true vine and God the Father is the source that allows His branches to grow . Jesus tells us that if our branches don ’ t bear fruit , it will be taken away ( separated from God ) but if we follow His example , our branches would bring forth fruit
( i . e ., love , joy , peace , patience , kindness , gentleness , meekness , faith , and self-control ). In verse 8 and 9 of this chapter in John , Jesus says ,
“ Herein is my Father glorified , that ye bear much fruit ; so shall ye be my disciples . As the Father hath loved me , so have I loved you : continue ye in my love .” Throughout the Bible , Jesus speaks in volumes about the importance of LOVE and how it benefits us as well as others . He tells us that if we take on this garment of love , we would have an unlimited supply of joy and we would be called , His friend . This is the type of relationship that God wants us to have with Him , making it easy for us to share that same love with others . Every relationship should be “ rooted and grounded ” in love . Jesus shows us in this chapter that if we bear the fruit of love , we would reap that same fruit . I know it can be a challenge to offer a gift to someone who has hurt you by their words or actions but if you are connected to the vine , your branches will bear this gift . It ’ s not about us ; it ’ s about sharing the love of God . I ’ m sure we can agree that it is easy to love someone who treats us well but , to pass this test , can we give love to someone who has treated us unfairly ? Jesus makes it clear that it has nothing to do with the person but everything to do with our place and position ; our relationship with Him ! Let me explain . Jesus says ...
“ Ye have not chosen me , but I have chosen you , and ordained you , that ye should go and bring