How True Love Endures Wrongs with Meekness | Jonathan Edwards

Deep Dive into Charity and Its Fruits by Jonathan Edwards - Charity Meek in Bearing Evil and InjuriesJonathan Edwards explains that Christian charity fundamentally disposes individuals to meekly bear injuries received from others, an attribute referred to in scripture as long-suffering. Throughout life, people face numerous injuries from others, including dishonest business dealings, slanderous attacks on their good name, contemptuous thoughts, and malicious or revengeful actions.To meekly bear these injuries means enduring them without seeking revenge or expressing bitterness in speech or behavior. It requires maintaining sincere love for the offender, preserving inward calmness and mental repose, and often being willing to suffer personal loss for the sake of peace rather than always fiercely defending one's rights. This virtue is called long-suffering because Christians are called to endure not just minor offenses, but significant and prolonged mistreatment.Edwards argues that a true Christian spirit naturally leads to this behavior through love for God and love for neighbors. Loving God disposes believers to imitate His divine long-suffering and expresses gratitude for the immense forbearance He shows toward their own frequent sins. Furthermore, love for God fosters humility, reducing the pride that often fuels resentment, and helps believers see God's sovereign hand even in the injuries they suffer from others. By placing their ultimate happiness in God rather than material things, Christians elevate themselves above mere worldly harms.To encourage this mindset, Edwards offers several motives. He points to the ultimate example of Jesus Christ, who endured intense mockery and execution without retaliation. He also notes that expecting injuries is necessary in a fallen world, and enduring them calmly demonstrates true greatness of soul. Ultimately, maintaining a meek and forgiving spirit ensures that God will similarly extend His mercy and forgiveness to us.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReformedExplainerSpotify Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1t5dz4vEgvHqUknYQfwpRI?si=e-tDRFR2Qf6By1sAcMdkdwhttps://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730