I loved this post so much that I came back here to comment again. What rich words! As human beings, it is natural to love only those who love us or only those who think the same as we think.
Every time I slow down a little about praying and listening to the tapes, I find my human senses taking more control in my life. Likewise, when I buckle on tight, I mean, when I increase my fellowship with the Lord Jesus, He controls my human senses.
Right now I was here thinking about what Brother Branham said: "The one I feed the most wins." If I feed my spirit more (where my human senses are), it will certainly prevail. If I feed my soul more, the Holy Spirit will prevail. After many bitter experiences, I can understand that the Lord Jesus could have removed the stone from the tomb when He went there to raise Lazarus. He could have moved it, but He didn't. He gave this task to the human being, then He came in with the miracle. So, it's up to me to remove the stone of my pride, my selfishness, my indifference. It is up to me to seek in prayer, to hear the Word more (the tapes); it is all up to me to do it. And everything that I cannot reach, the Lord Jesus is the One Who will do it.
I have always admired reading/listening to Brother Branham's love and respect for all people. He loved them regardless of the denomination they belonged to, regardless of the creed they professed, regardless of what they thought or believed. He taught and preached the Truth to them and continues preaching that. But he did not count them out when they failed to catch the Vision. He's an example to me. When I see this, I remember the Lord Jesus.
I have also experienced another side of the coin: loving people, but letting myself be influenced by their manners. I believe that this is also not right. There is a middle ground for everything, and what I really admire about Brother Branham is this: he was central to absolutely everything! I can love everyone, but I don't need to participate in their habits. I have also noticed that people realize if this love is really in us, or if we are just pretending. People notice. Love is so sublime in its essence that it needs to flow naturally, without forcing it. When something is forced, it works only halfway. I really wish to receive a baptism of love every day, so that this Divine Love may dominate my human affections. This is the only way to naturally love everyone. Love people for real, without looking at the financial, social, and religious condition they have.
And at the same time, do not participate in their worldly manners, but also do not belittle them because they still live in the world. That is to be central. I have clearly observed this. When we truly love a person, he feels it. And when we feel loved, we want a change. It is as if we throw salt on the person, and he feels thirsty. They want to know what we got, what we believe, why we do it. When Love is projected, sovereign Grace takes control of everything.
May the Lord Jesus help me achieve that noble goal in this new year.
Geisa Helena Alves de Lima
Brazil