1 John 5:6 … A most Truth-full testimony (06/13/17)
“And the Spirit is the one who testifies,
for the Spirit is the Truth.”
~ unknown (1 John 5:6)
First of all, it is crucial to remember that “the Spirit” referenced here is not an external entity, but rather an internal Essence (what some call “the Holy Spirit” or “the Spirit of Truth”, what others call “the Soul” or “the True Self” or “the conscience”, and what Jesus called “the Advocate” – see John 14:20-26 & John 15:26 et al) …
Of course, the question remains as to how we can know whether the “voice” (or the “feeling” or the “intuition” or the “hunch”) that is speaking to us is actually from this Spirit – whether we are receiving internal guidance from a Divine source that resides in the Heart (see Matthew 21:43) or an ego-based source that resides in the more primitive regions of the human brain.
Fortunately, there is an easy test that we can use to make this determination – the “Fruit of the Tree” (see Matthew 7:15-20 et al); essentially engaging in Caring deeds that are earnestly intended to bring Peace &/or Joy to others, and then “listening” within to see what feelings arise as a result. Quite simply, if we focus on the other(s) to whom we are extending said acts of Love and feel Peace-full while giving them, then they are “of the Spirit” – if we do not, then they are not.
And note that the only deeds that can engender such Peace-full experiences are those sincerely engendered in humble Love and those earnestly designed to bring Love to others (see Galatians 5:22-23). And note as well that the consequences that come from such a selfless act are not necessarily a determinant as to whether or not the deed was “right” or “spiritual” or “holy” …
Yes, if we engage an action that inadvertently causes pain and inadvertently leads to another’s suffering, we logically choose to abandon that method of Loving with them in the future, and yet that does not mean that it was “wrong” to have Loved in that way, or even that the Love given did not come from “the Spirit” … Indeed there will be those who use our acts of Goodness to further their own feelings of annoyance or frustration or fear or even anger – to entrench their own choice to suffer. And yet them doing so does not make our Love “wrong action.” Their suffering is their choice, and has no bearing on whether our Love came from “the Spirit” or not. We honor their choice if they decide to respond to our Love with aggression or callousness or ridicule or fear, and we choose to Love them differently thereafter (or even turn to give our Love to another if they persist in using our Love as an enhancer of internal discord), and yet Love given purely & selflessly & earnestly is always Right Action – always “of the Spirit” – in the moment it is being given.
Amen … Let it be so.
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