'YOU MUST LOVE YOURSELF',  'FORGIVE YOURSELF'

ARE THE ABOVE PHRASES BASED ON SCRIPTURE?

'LOVE YOURSELF' 

 Then God saw 

everything that He had made, 

and indeed it was very good. 

So the evening and the morning 

were the sixth day. 

And the LORD God formed man 

of the dust of the ground, 

and breathed into his nostrils 

the breath of life; 

and man became a living being. 

Genesis 2:7

 And the LORD God commanded 

the man, saying, 

"Of every tree of the garden 

you may freely eat;
but of the tree 

of the knowledge of good and evil 

you shall not eat, 

for in the day that you eat of it 

you shall surely die." 

Genesis 2:16-17

Now the serpent was more cunning 

than any beast of the field 

which the LORD God had made. 

And he said to the woman, 

"Has God indeed said, 

'You shall not eat 

of every tree of the garden'?"

And the woman said to the serpent,

 "We may eat the fruit 

of the trees of the garden;

but of the fruit of the tree 

which is in the midst of the garden, 

God has said, 'You shall not eat it, 

nor shall you touch it, lest you die.' "

Then the serpent said to the woman, 

"You will not surely die.

For God knows 

that in the day you eat of it 

your eyes will be opened, 

and you will be like God, 

knowing good and evil."

So when the woman saw 

that the tree was good for food, 

that it was pleasant to the eyes, 

and a tree desirable to make one wise, 

she took of its fruit and ate. 

She also gave to her husband with her, 

and he ate. 

Then the eyes of both of them 

were opened, 

and they knew that they were naked; 

and they sewed fig leaves together 

and made themselves coverings.

And they heard 

the sound of the LORD God 

walking in the garden 

in the cool of the day, 

and Adam and his wife hid themselves 

from the presence of the LORD God 

among the trees of the garden.

Then the LORD God called 

to Adam and said to him, "Where are you?"

So he said, "I heard Your voice in the garden, 

and I was afraid 

because I was naked; and I hid myself." 

Genesis 1:31, 2:7, 3:1-10

Adam and Eve had a close relationship with the LORD GOD their Creator. He created them in His own image and they were distinct from everything else in creation. He loved them with His pure love and only planned and desired what was for their good. 

GOD didn't give an explanation as to why they shouldn't eat the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He simply said, that in the day they eat of it, they would surely die. They lived in His presence and walked within the covering of His glory! 

The devil came in the form of the serpent and deceived Eve, implying that GOD was withholding something good from her and Adam because He did not really love them. He told them why they should eat the forbidden fruit. His suggestion was that they should know evil as well as good. He suggested that they take that step of disobeying GOD so that their eyes may be opened and that they might be like GOD Himself! 

The suggestions of the devil made Eve doubt GOD's perfect love for her and Adam. She thought that GOD didn't love her enough and that she must love herself and take what GOD had kept out of her and Adam -  the forbidden fruit that would exalt her to a higher level.

Isn't the devil's ways still the same? When GOD gives us a simple command and the consequence of disobeying it, we want to know why we should obey and why we shouldn't disobey. Don't children do the same when instructed by their parents?

 We want to know what the evil things are that we are asked to keep out of. We want to research the evil we are asked to avoid, for example, obscenities, indecent movies, pornography, unedifying books and articles, friends whose influence can be harmful, alcohol, drugs and cigarettes. The first experience sticks in the mind and pollutes the mind. It can also bring a craving for a little more and then plunge us into addiction and bondage before we are aware of it!

That one act of disobedience changed everything! Adam and Eve's GOD- consciousness was replaced by self consciousness. They lost the 'glory- covering' of the LORD and sensed that they were naked. For the first time, shame and fear was experienced by mankind and they hid from GOD. Although GOD was grieved, He still loved them, but they couldn't receive that love. 

 There is no fear in love; 

but perfect love casts out fear, 

because fear involves torment. 

But he who fears 

has not been made perfect in love. 

1 John 4:18

The fallen nature we all carry is, selfishness, self centeredness, self pity and self exaltation. 

 for all have sinned 

and fall short of the glory of God, 

Romans 3:23

We are born with this fallen and sinful nature and continue to fall short of the glory of GOD.

When man's relationship with GOD was broken, his relationship with others also was affected by his selfish nature. The very first brothers had conflict and Cain murdered his younger brother Abel!

For the wages of sin is death, 

but the gift of God is eternal life 

in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Romans 6:23

Adam and Eve had made the decision to 'Love themselves' rather than receive and live in the love of GOD. Their love became distorted, selfish and self-centered. Their mindset changed in that very instant they ate the forbidden fruit. They became estranged from the Glorious, Holy and Loving GOD. 

Having had only the knowledge of Good from GOD, they received the knowledge of evil from the very source of evil - the devil! What a fall!!

GOD, in His compassion, instantly put in the plan of restoration. GOD, not wanting mankind to live forever in this fallen state, had to now keep them from eating from the tree of life until they were restored in their relationship with Him. 

 Then the LORD God said, 

"Behold, the man has become like one of Us, 

to know good and evil. 

And now, lest he put out his hand 

and take also of the tree of life, 

and eat, and live forever"--
therefore the LORD God sent him 

out of the garden of Eden to till the ground 

from which he was taken.
So He drove out the man; 

and He placed cherubim 

at the east of the garden of Eden, 

and a flaming sword 

which turned every way, 

to guard the way to the tree of life. 

Genesis 3:22-24

Because GOD's verbal command was not kept, there had to be harsh physical boundaries! 

 Nevertheless I have this against you, 

that you have left your first love.
Remember therefore 

from where you have fallen; 

repent and do the first works, 

or else I will come to you quickly 

and remove your lampstand from its place-

-unless you repent.
But this you have, 

that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, 

which I also hate.
He who has an ear, let him hear 

what the Spirit says to the churches. 

To him who overcomes 

I will give to eat from the tree of life, 

which is in the midst 

of the Paradise of God." ' 

Revelation 2:4-7

When we are restored to our first love for the LORD, we gain access to the tree of life once again!

Even to draw us back to Himself, sometimes, the LORD has to use bit and bridle!

 The LORD has appeared of old to me, 

saying: 

"Yes, I have loved you 

with an everlasting love; 

Therefore with lovingkindness 

I have drawn you. 

Jeremiah 31:3

 Do not be like the horse or like the mule, 

Which have no understanding, 

Which must be harnessed 

with bit and bridle, 

Else they will not come near you. 

Psalm 32:9

 For I consider that the sufferings 

of this present time 

are not worthy to be compared 

with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

For the earnest expectation of the creation 

eagerly waits for the revealing 

of the sons of God.
For the creation was subjected to futility, 

not willingly, 

but because of Him who subjected it in hope;
because the creation itself 

also will be delivered 

from the bondage of corruption 

into the glorious liberty 

of the children of God.
For we know that the whole creation 

groans and labors 

with birth pangs together until now.
Not only that, 

but we also 

who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, 

even we ourselves groan within ourselves, 

eagerly waiting for the adoption, 

the redemption of our body. 

Romans 8:18-23

 We know that we are of God, 

and the whole world lies 

under the sway of the wicked one. 

1 John 5:19

The whole world, which is under the sway of the evil one, therefore, speaks about 'Loving yourself', the suggestion of which caused the initial fall of mankind from his relationship with GOD! The world speaks about the importance of self-exaltation and self improvement.

Individuals might say, "I hate myself; I hate the way I look; I don't like anything about myself". This really means, because I love myself, "I want to look better; I want to do better in life" and I want more acceptance by others". The Bible says that no one hates himself. 

 So husbands ought to love their own wives 

as their own bodies; 

he who loves his wife loves himself.
For no one ever hated his own flesh, 

but nourishes and cherishes it, 

just as the Lord does the church. 

Ephesians 5:28-29

But know this, 

that in the last days perilous times will come:
For men will be lovers of themselves, 

lovers of money, boasters, proud, 

blasphemers, disobedient to parents, 

unthankful, unholy,
unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, 

without self-control,

brutal, despisers of good, traitors, 

headstrong, haughty, 

lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 

2 Timothy 3:1-4

Loving ourselves will result in the sins listed in the above verses.

Our love is marred. We do not even know what is good for ourselves! 

Love gives. GOD gives us only good gifts. The greatest Gift of love to the people of the world, is His only Son JESUS CHRIST! JESUS means Savior. 

When a gift is given, the one to whom it is given, should receive it from the giver to benefit by it. When we receive the most precious Gift of GOD, we receive forgiveness of sin and eternal salvation! 

 For God so loved the world 

that He gave His only begotten Son, 

that whoever believes in Him 

should not perish but have everlasting life. 

John 3:16

The suggestion of the devil is, 'You must love yourself', rather than receive GOD's love! That is the fallen nature that all of us are born with. If so, you will want to give yourself gifts that will draw you away from GOD and eventually lead to spiritual death!

 Blessed is the man 

who endures temptation; 

for when he has been approved, 

he will receive the crown of life 

which the Lord has promised 

to those who love Him.
Let no one say when he is tempted, 

"I am tempted by God"; 

for God cannot be tempted by evil, 

nor does He Himself tempt anyone.
But each one is tempted 

when he is drawn away 

by his own desires and enticed.
Then, when desire has conceived, 

it gives birth to sin; 

and sin, when it is full-grown, 

brings forth death.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
Every good gift and every perfect gift 

is from above, 

and comes down from the Father of lights, 

with whom there is no variation 

or shadow of turning. 

James 1:12-17

Our LORD JESUS, Whom GOD sent into the world, to take the sin of all mankind as His plan of restoration, taught us the necessity to deny the fallen nature of self, to be able to follow Him. GOD does not command us to do something that comes naturally to our fallen nature. He commands us to do those things that are towards the restoration of our relationship with Him and with one another. 

 Then Jesus said to His disciples, 

"If anyone desires to come after Me, 

let him deny himself, 

and take up his cross, and follow Me.
For whoever desires to save his life 

will lose it, 

but whoever loses his life for My sake 

will find it. 

Matthew 16:24-25

 He who loves his life will lose it, 

and he who hates his life in this world 

will keep it for eternal life. 

John 12:25

What we need to do is, to repent of our sins, turn from our evil ways, humble ourselves and position ourselves to receive the amazing, unconditional love of our Heavenly Father. 

Therefore, having been justified by faith, 

we have peace with God 

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

through whom also we have access by faith 

into this grace in which we stand, 

and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
And not only that, 

but we also glory in tribulations, 

knowing that tribulation 

produces perseverance;
and perseverance, character; 

and character, hope.
Now hope does not disappoint, 

because the love of God 

has been poured out in our hearts 

by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 

Romans 5:1-5

When we receive the love of GOD into our hearts, we are able to love the LORD with all our heart and love others with His pure love.

 Then one of them, a lawyer, 

asked Him a question, testing Him, 

and saying,
"Teacher, which is the great commandment 

in the law?"
Jesus said to him, 

"'You shall love the LORD your God 

with all your heart, 

with all your soul, and with all your mind.'
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like it: '

You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'
On these two commandments 

hang all the Law and the Prophets." 

Matthew 22:35-40

 The Old Testament law and prophets can be fulfilled by loving our neighbor as ourself. That is, to do to others what we would want them to do to us, which is 'The golden rule'.  

 Therefore, whatever you want 

men to do to you, 

do also to them, 

for this is the Law and the Prophets. 

Matthew 7:12

In the New Testament, our LORD has commanded a greater measure of love for others. 

 We love Him because He first loved us. 

1 John 4:19

This is My commandment, 

that you love one another 

as I have loved you.

Greater love has no one than this,

 than to lay down one's life for his friends. 

John 15:12-13

 By this we know love, 

because He laid down His life for us. 

And we also ought to 

lay down our lives for the brethren. 

1 John 3:16

The believer in CHRIST dies to self and lives for Him. We must let the love of GOD flow through us to others.

We must die to self - to our old selfish nature, and live for JESUS and others.

We should not kill ourself by committing suicide, however difficult our situation may be. A true follower of the LORD JESUS will not do that, because he has decided to die to self. His fallen selfish nature is constantly being put to death and JESUS, with the power of the Holy Spirit rules in His life, enabling him to live for others! GOD, Who gave us life, is the only One Who has the right to take it away in His own time, so that we are well prepared to live with Him eternally in Heaven!

 If then you were raised with Christ, 

seek those things which are above, 

where Christ is, 

sitting at the right hand of God.
Set your mind on things above, 

not on things on the earth.
For you died, 

and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ who is our life appears, 

then you also will appear with Him in glory.
Therefore put to death your members 

which are on the earth: 

fornication, uncleanness, 

passion, evil desire, 

and covetousness, which is idolatry.
Because of these things 

the wrath of God is coming 

upon the sons of disobedience,
in which you yourselves once walked 

when you lived in them.
But now you yourselves 

are to put off all these: 

anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, 

filthy language out of your mouth.
Do not lie to one another, 

since you have put off 

the old man with his deeds,
and have put on the new man 

who is renewed in knowledge 

according to the image of Him 

who created him,
where there is neither Greek nor Jew, 

circumcised nor uncircumcised, 

barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, 

but Christ is all and in all.
Therefore, as the elect of God, 

holy and beloved, 

put on tender mercies, kindness, 

humility, meekness, longsuffering;
bearing with one another, 

and forgiving one another, 

if anyone has a complaint 

against another; 

even as Christ forgave you, 

so you also must do.
But above all these things 

put on love, 

which is the bond of perfection.
And let the peace of God 

rule in your hearts, 

to which also you were called in one body; 

and be thankful. 

Colossians 3:1-15

 'FORGIVE YOURSELF'

Forgiveness means cancelling a debt.

All of us have sinned against GOD and turned away from our Creator to Whom we belong. 

 for all have sinned 

and fall short of the glory of God, 

Romans 3:23

Sinning against others, is sinning against GOD, because it is disobedience to GOD. All of us stand in need of forgiveness from GOD. We owe GOD our very lives because His Son paid the debt of our sin with His very life to cancel our debt. 

 But when you thus sin against the brethren, 

and wound their weak conscience, 

you sin against Christ. 

1 Corinthians 8:12

When King David fell into immorality and also committed murder, he repented and cried out to GOD, asking for forgiveness.

 Have mercy upon me, O God, 

According to Your lovingkindness; 

According to the multitude 

of Your tender mercies, 

Blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, 

And cleanse me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my transgressions, 

And my sin is always before me.
Against You, You only, have I sinned, 

And done this evil in Your sight-- 

That You may be found just 

when You speak, 

And blameless when You judge. 

Psalm 51:1-4

We are indebted to GOD and not to ourselves. Therefore, there is no necessity to 'Forgive ourselves'. There is also no way that we can 'forgive ourself' because we can never sufficiently pay the debt of our sin!

According to the Old Covenant, people had to sacrifice animals to pay for their sin, but it was never sufficient to take away the sin. Those of us, who are under the New Covenant, have the privilege and opportunity to receive forgiveness from GOD, as a complete sacrifice has already been made by the LORD JESUS!

 For the law, having a shadow 

of the good things to come, 

and not the very image of the things, 

can never with these same sacrifices, 

which they offer continually year by year, 

make those who approach perfect.
For then would they not have 

ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, 

once purified, would have had no more 

consciousness of sins.
But in those sacrifices there is a reminder 

of sins every year.
For it is not possible that the blood of bulls 

and goats could take away sins. 

And every priest stands ministering 

daily and offering repeatedly 

the same sacrifices, 

which can never take away sins.
But this Man, after He had offered 

one sacrifice for sins forever, 

sat down at the right hand of God,
from that time waiting till His enemies 

are made His footstool.
For by one offering 

He has perfected forever 

those who are being sanctified.
But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; 

for after He had said before,
"This is the covenant that I will make 

with them after those days, 

says the LORD: 

I will put My laws into their hearts, 

and in their minds I will write them,"
then He adds, "

Their sins and their lawless deeds 

I will remember no more."
Now where there is remission of these, 

there is no longer an offering for sin. 

Hebrews 10:1-4, 11-18

We wholly belong to GOD - spirit, soul and body. The LORD JESUS has paid for all our sins, past, present and future, including the sin of sexual immorality. 

 Flee sexual immorality. 

Every sin that a man does 

is outside the body, 

but he who commits sexual immorality 

sins against his own body.
Or do you not know that your body 

is the temple of the Holy Spirit 

who is in you, whom you have from God, 

and you are not your own?
For you were bought at a price; 

therefore glorify God in your body 

and in your spirit, which are God's. 

1 Corinthians 6:18-20

Even though that is a sin against our own body, we have no way of paying that debt to forgive ourself! We are indebted to GOD, Who has graciously cancelled that debt through the LORD JESUS. We can therefore come before Him humbly like David, confess our sin and gratefully receive His forgiveness which is a free gift! If we allow Him, He will cleanse us from all sin and remove guilt and shame from our mind.

 If we say that we have no sin, 

we deceive ourselves, 

and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, 

He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins 

and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

1 John 1:8-9

Not only does JESUS wash away our sins with His own blood, but He also, through His Holy Spirit, enables us to overcome our sins to live a victorious life!

 But if the Spirit of Him who raised 

Jesus from the dead dwells in you, 

He who raised Christ from the dead 

will also give life to your mortal bodies 

through His Spirit who dwells in you. 

Romans 8:11

GOD, through His Son JESUS, cancelled our debt and offers us forgiveness, which is available to all. 

Imagine that you owe your friend Bill a thousand dollars. Since you are unable to pay it back, Bill cancelled your debt. Because you are his friend, he loves you and he desires to keep the friendship strong.

On your part, you humbly accepted the cancellation of your debt with great gratitude to Bill. You trust your friend and progress to love him even more for his act of kindness and you pursue your friendship with Bill. 

 For the wages of sin is death, 

but the gift of God is eternal life 

in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Romans 6:23

Imagine that in spite of Bill constantly assuring you that he has cancelled your debt and does not hold it against you, you do not want to accept the cancellation of the debt, although you are unable to pay it back, because of your pride. You would be living in shame and guilt and in constant fear that Bill might take some action to punish you. You are not able to maintain a good relationship with Bill as you do not trust him and accept his kindness with humility. 

 For God so loved the world 

that He gave His only begotten Son, 

that whoever believes in Him 

should not perish 

but have everlasting life. 

John 3:16

The above verse implies that because GOD loved all the people of the world so very much, He for-gave the sin of the people of the world through His Son, so that they may not be separated from Him and perish in hell but live eternally with Him in Heaven! 

 Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, 

That it cannot save; 

Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear.

But your iniquities have separated 

you from your God; 

And your sins have hidden 

His face from you, 

So that He will not hear. 

  Isaiah 59:1-2

It is our sin that has blocked the channel of communication, love and blessings from GOD. GOD has done His part to forgive us and to clear that channel. 

His forgiveness, love and gifts of love and blessings are all stored up, ready to be received free of charge, by anyone who wants! Receiving GOD's forgiveness is the key that unblocks the channel on our side. 

This we do by recognizing that we are sinners, repenting of our sin and humbly asking the LORD's forgiveness that was made available through the death and resurrection of JESUS CHRIST. By faith - believing in JESUS and His word, the Bible, we receive forgiveness of our sins. 

Immediately, the channel of communication with GOD is opened to us and we are positioned to receive all that He has for us, personally! We receive GOD's love, peace and joy into our hearts. Our Heavenly Father also watches over us to protect us, provide for us and guide and strengthen us through His Spirit

Receiving GOD's forgiveness is the key to living a victorious life in CHRIST!

If we do not receive forgiveness from GOD, neither will we be able to release forgiveness to others. If we don't forgive, neither will we be forgiven! Our LORD made this clear in the following story. 

 Then Peter came to Him and said, 

"Lord, how often shall my brother 

sin against me, and I forgive him? 

Up to seven times?"
Jesus said to him, 

"I do not say to you, up to seven times, 

but up to seventy times seven.
Therefore the kingdom of heaven 

is like a certain king 

who wanted to settle accounts 

with his servants.
And when he had begun 

to settle accounts, 

one was brought to him 

who owed him ten thousand talents.
But as he was not able to pay, 

his master commanded that he be sold, 

with his wife and children 

and all that he had, 

and that payment be made.
The servant therefore fell down 

before him, saying, 

'Master, have patience with me, 

and I will pay you all.'
Then the master of that servant 

was moved with compassion, 

released him, and forgave him the debt.
But that servant went out 

and found one of his fellow servants 

who owed him a hundred denarii; 

and he laid hands on him 

and took him by the throat, saying, 

'Pay me what you owe!'
So his fellow servant fell down 

at his feet and begged him, saying,

 'Have patience with me, 

and I will pay you all.'
And he would not, 

but went and threw him into prison 

till he should pay the debt.
So when his fellow servants 

saw what had been done, 

they were very grieved, 

and came and told their master 

all that had been done.
Then his master, 

after he had called him, said to him, 

'You wicked servant! 

I forgave you all that debt 

because you begged me.
Should you not also have had 

compassion on your fellow servant, 

just as I had pity on you?'
And his master was angry, 

and delivered him to the torturers 

until he should pay 

all that was due to him.
So My heavenly Father also will do to you 

if each of you, from his heart, 

does not forgive 

his brother his trespasses." 

Matthew 18:21-35

The more we receive, the more we are able to give! 

 And as you go, preach, saying, 

'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.'
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, 

raise the dead, cast out demons. 

Freely you have received, freely give. 

Matthew 10:7-8

Give, and it will be given to you: 

good measure, pressed down, 

shaken together, and running over 

will be put into your bosom. 

For with the same measure that you use, 

it will be measured back to you." 

Luke 6:38

May we live such victorious and abundant lives in CHRIST JESUS!

GOD BLESS YOU!

Thank you and Please!

 Thank you and Please!

When our children are very young, we teach them to say 'Thank you' and 'Please'. When they receive a gift or someone does them a good deed, we prompt them to say thank you. If the gift is not to the child's liking, the child will hesitate and will need much coaxing to get these two words out of his or her mouth because they come out of the attitude of the heart! However in adults, these words are simple expressions of mannerism and may or may not come from the heart!

It is more important to inculcate the attitude of gratitude in ourselves and in our children. The words 'Thank You' should come out of our hearts with an attitude of appreciation for whatever we receive.

The Scriptures speak about the importance of giving thanks.

First of all, we must thank GOD for His goodness in our lives. When we recognize the fact that we do not deserve anything from the LORD and that every blessing we receive is a gift of grace from Him, we will be grateful.

 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, 

Nor punished us according to our iniquities. 

For as the heavens are high above the earth, 

So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; 

As far as the east is from the west, 

So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

Psalm 103:10-12

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, 

and comes down from the Father of lights, 

with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

James 1:17

We should develop the habit of constantly giving thanks to the LORD.

He is good and He is merciful towards us always. He loves us and gives us what it good for us.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,

And into His courts with praise.

Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

For the Lord is good;

His mercy is everlasting,

And His truth endures to all generations.

Psalm 100:4-5

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord!

Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.

Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;

Let us shout joyfully to Him with Psalms.

Psalm 95:1-2

Praise the Lord!

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!

For His mercy endures forever.

Psalm 106:1

..giving thanks to the Father

who has qualified us to be partakers

of the inheritance of the saints in the light.

Colossians 1:12

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks;

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Our LORD JESUS Himself set the example.

And He took the seven loaves and the fish

and gave thanks,

broke them and gave them to His disciples;

and the disciples gave to the multitude.

Matthew 15:36

Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said,

"Take this and divide it among yourselves;

for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine

until the kingdom of God comes."

And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it,

and gave it to them, saying,

"This is My body which is given for you;

do this in remembrance of Me."

Luke 22:17-19

 Then they took away the stone

from the place where the dead man was lying.

And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said,

"Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.

And I know that You always hear Me,

but because of the people who are standing by

I said this,

that they may believe that You sent Me."

Now when He had said these things,

He cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth!"

And he who had died

came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes,

and his face was wrapped with a cloth.

Jesus said to them, "Loose him, and let him go."

John 11:41-44

 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

2 Corinthians 9:15

PLEASE

Please is derived from the word pleasing.

Pleasing means pleasurable and agreeable.

When we say, "Please go with me", we are saying, "let it please you, to go with me" or, "let it give you pleasure to go with me."

 But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases. 

Psalm 115:3

Whatever the LORD pleases He does, 

In heaven and in earth, 

In the seas and in all deep places. 

Psalm 135:6  

Since the LORD, Who is Sovereign, does whatever pleases Him, it will be good for us to know what pleases the LORD and what doesn't please Him.

 For the Lord will not forsake His people,

for His great name's sake,

because it has pleased the Lord to make you His people.

1 Samuel 12:22

Do not fear, little flock,

for it is your Father's good pleasure

to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32

just as He chose us in Him

before the foundation of the world,

that we should be holy

and without blame before Him in love,

having predestined us

to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself,

according to the good pleasure of His will,

to the praise of the glory of His grace,

by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved.

Ephesians 1:4-6

It pleased GOD to make us His people and He chose us before the foundation of the world. Our response should be to receive His Kingdom by receiving JESUS, and be holy and without blame, to the praise of the glory of His grace!

What are the ways of man that bring pleasure to the LORD?

• GOD is never pleased with wickedness.

For You are not a God

who takes pleasure in wickedness,

Nor shall evil dwell with You. Psalm 5:4

We should therefore turn from every wicked way.

Search me, O God, and know my heart;

Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me,

And lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24

The LORD is also not pleased with the death of the wicked.

The wicked, turning from the path of destruction to the path of life, is what brings pleasure to the LORD!

Do I have any pleasure at all

that the wicked should die?"

says the Lord GOD,

"and not that he should turn from his ways and live? Ezekiel 18:23

Our prayers also should be on those lines for those whom we consider as wicked.

• GOD is pleased when we ask for His wisdom so that we may do what is right in His eyes.

GOD was pleased with the prayer of Solomon.

 The speech pleased the LORD, 

that Solomon had asked this thing.
Then God said to him: 

"Because you have asked this thing, 

and have not asked long life for yourself, 

nor have asked riches for yourself, 

nor have asked the life of your enemies, 

but have asked for yourself understanding 

to discern justice,
behold, I have done according to your words; 

see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, 

so that there has not been anyone like you before you, 

nor shall any like you arise after you. 

  1 Kings 3:10-12

 Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, 

And in the hidden part 

You will make me to know wisdom. 

  Psalm 51:6

 My son, if your heart is wise, My heart will rejoice-

-indeed, I myself;
Yes, my inmost being will rejoice 

When your lips speak right things. 

  Proverbs 23:15-16

 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, 

who gives to all liberally and without reproach,

 and it will be given to him. 

  James 1:5

• GOD is not delighted with the beauty or the strength of our legs.

He takes pleasure in those whose legs walk in His fear and in the hope of His mercy!

He does not delight in the strength of the horse;

He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man. The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him,

In those who hope in His mercy. Psalm 147:10-11

• GOD, in His word, has instructed us to walk according to the structure of authority He has set for us.

Children, obey your parents in all things,

for this is well pleasing to the Lord.

Colossians 3:20

• We should walk in integrity that even if we make a vow, we fulfil it.

When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it;

For He has no pleasure in fools.

Pay what you have vowed-- Ecclesiastes 5:4

 

• GOD has no pleasure in anything we sacrifice or the great works we do, towards justifying ourselves. The LORD JESUS has already made a well sufficient sacrifice on our behalf! He desires that we love Him and simply obey Him.

In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin

You had no pleasure. Hebrews 10:6

So Samuel said:

"Has the LORD as great delight

in burnt offerings and sacrifices,

As in obeying the voice of the LORD?

Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,

And to heed than the fat of rams. 1 Samuel 15:22

When sacrificial giving of time, energy, effort, money or possessions, is done in obedience to the LORD's prompting, it is well pleasing to Him.

Indeed I have all and abound. I am full,

having received from Epaphroditus

the things sent from you,

a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice,

well pleasing to God. Philippians 4:18

• When we come to faith in the LORD JESUS, GOD is pleased with us.

But without faith it is impossible to please Him,

for he who comes to God must believe that He is,

and that He is a rewarder

of those who diligently seek Him.

Hebrews 11:6

We must endure in faith until the end of our life on earth so that we might please the LORD.

Now the just shall live by faith;

But if anyone draws back,

My soul has no pleasure in him." But we are not of those who draw back to perdition,

but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. Hebrews 10:38-39

• GOD was not pleased with most of the children of Israel, because they did not have faith and so we are asked not to follow their example of lusting after worldly and evil things, idolatry, sexual immorality, tempting the LORD and complaining.

For indeed the gospel was preached

to us as well as to them;

but the word which they heard did not profit them,

not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. Hebrews 4:2

But with most of them God was not well pleased,

for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. Now these things became our examples,

to the intent that we should not lust after evil things

as they also lusted. And do not become idolaters as were some of them.

As it is written,

"The people sat down to eat and drink,

and rose up to play." Nor let us commit sexual immorality,

as some of them did,

and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted,

and were destroyed by serpents; nor complain, as some of them also complained,

and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now all these things happened to them as examples,

and they were written for our admonition,

upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 1 Corinthians 10:5-11

Moses set the example of making the right choice and desiring the presence of the LORD above all else!

By faith Moses, when he became of age,

refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather

to suffer affliction with the people of God

than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches

than the treasures in Egypt;

for he looked to the reward. Hebrews 11:24-26

Now therefore, I pray,

if I have found grace in Your sight,

show me now Your way, that I may know You

and that I may find grace in Your sight.

And consider that this nation is Your people." Exodus 33:13 And he said, "Please, show me Your glory." Exodus 33:18

GOD's word cannot come to fruition in hearts that are burdened with worldly pursuits.

Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who,

when they have heard,

go out and are choked with cares, riches,

and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. Luke 8:14

It is selfish desire that brings about rifts and hurts.

Where do wars and fights come from among you?

Do they not come from your desires for pleasure

that war in your members? James 4:1

Spending time and money on worldly pleasures will bring one to poverty.

He who loves pleasure will be a poor man;

He who loves wine and oil will not be rich. Proverbs 21:17

Rather than seeking worldly pleasures that are passing, we should seek the lasting pleasure that comes from living in the presence of the LORD.

You will show me the path of life;

In Your presence is fullness of joy;

At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

• We cannot please GOD if we live with our carnal mind.

We must be renewed in our mind to have a spiritual mindset to please GOD.

So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ,

he is not His. And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin,

but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him

who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you,

He who raised Christ from the dead

will also give life to your mortal bodies

through His Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:8-11

• As the example set by our LORD to please His Father at all times, we also must seek to please GOD.

And He who sent Me is with Me.

The Father has not left Me alone,

for I always do those things that please Him."

John 8:29

 When He had been baptized, 

Jesus came up immediately from the water; 

and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, 

and He saw the Spirit of God 

descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.
And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, 

"This is My beloved Son, 

in whom I am well pleased." 

Matthew 3:16-17

We then who are strong

ought to bear with the scruples of the weak,

and not to please ourselves.

Let each of us please his neighbor for his good,

leading to edification.

For even Christ did not please Himself;

but as it is written,

"The reproaches of those

who reproached You fell on Me."

Romans 15:1-3

We shouldn't live to please ourselves but to please others, for their edification.

 just as I also please all men in all things,

not seeking my own profit,

but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

1 Corinthians 10:33

But I want you to be without care.

He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord-

-how he may please the Lord. But he who is married

cares about the things of the world-

-how he may please his wife. There is a difference between a wife and a virgin.

The unmarried woman

cares about the things of the Lord,

that she may be holy both in body and in spirit.

But she who is married

cares about the things of the world-

-how she may please her husband. 1 Corinthians 7:32-34

In the marriage relationship, the husband must seek to please his wife and the wife must please her husband, except in situations that would displease the LORD.

If a situation arises where pleasing man would displease GOD, we must choose to do what pleases GOD, even if it displeases man.

For do I now persuade men, or God?

Or do I seek to please men?

For if I still pleased men,

I would not be a bondservant of Christ. Galatians 1:10

• When we walk in tune with the Holy Spirit, He gives us the desire and strength to do those things that please GOD. It is GOD Who works in us and enables us to live such a life!

for it is God who works in you both to will

and to do for His good pleasure.

Do all things without complaining and disputing,

that you may become blameless and harmless,

children of God without fault

in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation,

among whom you shine as lights in the world,

Philippians 2:13-15

• Blessings of a life that pleases GOD.

By faith Enoch was taken away

so that he did not see death,

"and was not found, because God had taken him";

for before he was taken he had this testimony,

that he pleased God. Hebrews 11:5

When a man's ways please the LORD,

He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Proverbs 16:7

• We can therefore pray in line with the following Scriptures, for ourselves and for others.

 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it,

do not cease to pray for you,

and to ask that you may be filled

with the knowledge of His will

in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

that you may walk worthy of the Lord,

fully pleasing Him,

being fruitful in every good work

and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Colossians 1:9-10

 Therefore we also pray always for you 

that our God would count you worthy of this calling, 

and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness 

and the work of faith with power,
that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ 

may be glorified in you, 

and you in Him, 

according to the grace of our God 

and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Now may the God of peace

who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead,

that great Shepherd of the sheep,

through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will,

working in you what is well pleasing in His sight,

through Jesus Christ,

to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21