Monday, 24 December 2007

• ENCOURAGING WORDS OF GOD

  “Therefore, beware, my children, of hatred; for it works lawlessness even against Yahweh Himself. For it will not hear the words of His commandments regarding the loving of one's neighbor, and it sins against God. For if a brother stumbles, it delights immediately to proclaim it to all men, and is urgent that he should be judged for it, and be punished and be put to death. And if he is a servant it stirs him up against his master, and with every affliction it devises against him if he can possibly be put to death. For hatred also works with envy against those who prosper: so long as it hears of or sees their success, it always languishes. For as love would quicken even the dead, and would call back them that are condemned to die, so hatred would slay the living, and those that had sinned venially it would not suffer to live. For the spirit of hatred works together with Satan, through hastiness of spirit, in all things to men's death; but the spirit of love works together with the law of God in long-suffering to the salvation of men.

  “Therefore, hatred is evil, for it constantly mates with lying, speaking against the truth; and it makes small things to be great, and causes the light to be darkness, and calls the sweet bitter, and teaches slander, and kindles wrath, and stirs up war, and violence and all covetousness; it fills the heart with evils and devilish poison. Therefore, these things I speak to you from experience, my children, that all you may drive out hatred, which is of the devil, and cleave to the love of God.

  “Righteousness casts out hatred, humility destroys envy. For he who is just and humble is ashamed to do what is unjust, not being reproved of another, but of his own heart, because Yahweh looks on his inclination. He does not speak against a holy man, because the fear of God overcomes hatred. For fearing lest he should offend Yahweh, he will not do wrong to any man, even in thought.

  “These things I learned at last, after I had repented concerning Joseph. For true repentance after a godly sort drives away the darkness, and enlightens the eyes, and gives knowledge to the soul, and leads the mind to salvation. And those things which have not learned from man, one knows through repentance.

  “And now, my children, I exhort you, each one of you to love his brother, and put away hatred from your hearts, love one another in deed, and in word, and in the inclination of the soul. Therefore love one another from the heart; and if a man sins against you, cast out the poison of hate and speak peaceably to him, and in your soul do not hold guile; and if he confess and repent, forgive him. But if he denies it, do not get into a passion with him, lest catching the poison from you he takes to swearing and so you sin doubly. And though he denies it and yet has a sense of shame when reproved, give over reproving him. For he who denies may repent so as to not wrong you again; yes, he may also honor you, and be at peace with you And if he be shameless and persist in his wrong-doing, even so forgive him from the heart, and leave to God the avenging.

  “If a man prospers more than you, do not be vexed, but pray for him, that he may have perfect prosperity. For so it is expedient for you. And if he is further exalted, do not be envious of him, remembering that all flesh shall die; and offer praise to God, who gives things good and profitable to all men. Seek out the judgments of Yahweh, and your mind will rest and be at peace.

  “And though a man become rich by evil means, even as Esau, the brother of my father, do not be jealous; but wait for Yahweh's end. For if he takes away wealth gained by evil means, He forgives him if he repents, but the unrepentant is reserved for eternal punishment. For the poor man, if free from envy, he pleases Yahweh in all things, and is blessed beyond all men, because he does not have the travail of vain men. Therefore, put away jealousy from your souls, and love one another with uprightness of heart.

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