The Grinch That Stole Christmas, by Shawn Patrick Williams
As a child one of my favorite Christmas movies was “The Grinch That Stole Christmas.” The Grinch came and stole all the Christmas presents from the little town, but he couldn’t steal their Christmas joy!
I know that it is just a movie, but imagine with me if you will how that same scenario is played out not only during Christmas but all year around.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” Galatians 5:22-23. As a spirit-filled born again believer, we have the power living inside of us to bear the fruit of the spirit at all times! When you live the Christian life, led by the Spirit, the character of the Holy Spirit flows through yours. It is a very powerful thing and Satan knows it. He doesn’t want the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit flowing out of your life. When a believer has this revelation and applies it, miracles start to take place.
That is why Jesus said the greatest commandment was to live by the law of love, toward God and man. When you live by this law, the very essence of God Himself (Love) lives through you!
Satan will do anything he can to keep you from living out love, joy, and peace by the Spirit. He will try to offend you, get you to judge people, and harbor unforgiveness or bitterness in your heart. He might use someone close to you like a family member or friend or even an incident that has happened sometime ago.
Early in my life, I had a false perception of an incident that happened in the church my family was attending. It was my perception of what happened and was very real to me. I became offended by the incident and judged all Christians and churches by that situation. Bitterness took root overtime and I swore off “church.” I’ve met hundreds of people who have had a very similar experience. As a result, I walked with bitterness and unforgiveness in my heart for years, because of this incident. It affected every area of my life, not just “church.”
Satan will do anything he can to steal your supernatural love, joy, and peace. Just like the Grinch that stole Christmas, the Devil will try to do this to you all the time. Don’t let Satan steal your joy!
Colossians 3:14-15 says, “And above all these things put on charity (love), which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”
What’s ruling your heart today? Is it the fruit of the Holy Spirit, or has the “Grinch” made a visit to your house? Let go and let the Spirit of God rule your heart today.
