Soldier's Orders: Rules Of Engagement
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:1-8 (NIV)
When Jesus came to Earth, everything changed– including a “war’s” rules of engagement.* His Orders were revolutionary! Hard to believe and MUCH harder to do!
What a strange thought: loving your enemies! Or blessing those who persecuted you! Or walking like a lamb to the slaughter! Who in this world ever heard such a thing?
Only ONE with a transcendental Mind, Who understood how the world really works… and the Heart of The One Who would fix it!
But where's the justice in bold unfairness? Squarely in God's Hand!
'For You observe trouble and grief, to repay it by Your Hand. The helpless commits himself to You' (Psalm 10:14).
Therein, 'Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord' (Romans 12:19).
By God's promise, perps WILL pay for their sins: on Earth, in eternity… or in both! BUT… to show love when it's hard is the mark of a mature Christian– or a small child!
Because… 'Our struggle is not against flesh and blood' (Ephesians 6:12).
Bottom Line War Conduct & Strategy:
To men, Christians are the Good News Patrol. How better to rep the Kingdom of God?
To demons, saints are warriors of light: 'Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you' (Luke 10:19).
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
As the Lord’s Communication Task Force, called and chosen, ‘For such a time as this’ (Esther 4:14), you know who your enemy is (Satan)... and who your enemy isn’t (people).
To them, you pull out a disarming smile, the great power of a forgiving heart, and the win that showing love always brings– since without any doubt, ‘Love never fails’ (1 Corinthians 13:8).
Soldier's Orders: Rules Of Engagement (Part 13)
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.
* Definition of Rules of Engagement (ROE): http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1958997/rules-of-engagement-ROE