04 Sep '08 17:20>
When a man chooses to be compassionate , what is actually happening? In spiritual/Christian terms he is being moved by the Spirit to love his brother.
For sure he is "choosing" to be compassionate , but the power to be compassionate and the stirring of love within him is also an action of the Spirit.
Similarly , if a man starts to pray what is happening. Is he praying independently ? No , he is being prompted by the Spirit to pray , and the Spirit is helping him and giving him the words. The man is participating in a process of grace.
When a man stands firm in the face of evil against injustice is his courage and sense of wrong his own or is God there strengthening him? Of course he is.
Jesus said (as an example) "do not worry about what you will say for I will give you the words". So to witness to the truth is Spirit inspired too. So to is revelation of the truth ("when he the spirit comes he will guide you into all truth" + " this has been revealled to you by my Father"😉
I put it to ToO that grace is integral to everything we do that is good and righteous.
For sure he is "choosing" to be compassionate , but the power to be compassionate and the stirring of love within him is also an action of the Spirit.
Similarly , if a man starts to pray what is happening. Is he praying independently ? No , he is being prompted by the Spirit to pray , and the Spirit is helping him and giving him the words. The man is participating in a process of grace.
When a man stands firm in the face of evil against injustice is his courage and sense of wrong his own or is God there strengthening him? Of course he is.
Jesus said (as an example) "do not worry about what you will say for I will give you the words". So to witness to the truth is Spirit inspired too. So to is revelation of the truth ("when he the spirit comes he will guide you into all truth" + " this has been revealled to you by my Father"😉
I put it to ToO that grace is integral to everything we do that is good and righteous.