ManageYourEmotionsBook8.5x5.5_RevJULY.indd

When we grasp the total and unconditional love God has for us, it frees us up to extend more love to those around us.As Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Sound mind. This final point in Paul’s trilogy of instruction literally means “self-control.”Timothy could not hope to influence others if he could not first gain mastery over himself. Francis Xavier, 16 th Century Jesuit Missionary, was preaching in Japan when a man came up to him from out of the audience.The man, seemingly wanting to say something, spit in the missionary’s face instead. Showing no sign of irritation or annoyance, Xavier con- tinued with the message. Suddenly, a scornful and unengaged crowd snapped to atten- tion.Also, a learned doctor present thought any religion that taught a man such virtue and mastery over oneself had to come from God Himself.The doctor continued to show interest, soon becoming a Christian. 44 I’ve read that “A good man who is not great is a thousand times better than a great man who is not good.” Sadly, countless ministers, many of whom mastered the masses, fell because they couldn’t master themselves.As Scripture records, “Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit” (Proverbs 25:28).This includes how we act privately and publicly. And it’s not just about what we say and do, but our thoughts and attitudes as well. God has not left us defenseless in our battle against fear. He supplies weapons that are more than adequate for victory.Yet, “The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses” (2 Corinthians 10:4).The Spirit’s power, the love of God, and a sound mind on our part win the day over isola- tion, stagnation, addiction, and indignation every time. ShoikoiYokoi spent 28 years in prison--not a prison of walls, but rather one of fear. He served on the island of Guam inWWII

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