Scriptural Facts About Heaven | Institute of Love

By Sophia Christiaan, May 31, 2013

Jesus said to go and preach “the Kingdom” and make disciples of Jesus Christ. The reality of heaven waiting after this life provides hope and consolation for mankind to know that this is not all there is. This is just a temporary place, and eternity is what happens after death.

Jesus wanted to give us the heavenly realities to focus on (Colossians 3) to make it through life on earth. God the Father also wanted us to know how much he loves us, by sending his Son to die for us, and by preparing something unspeakably awesome for us in heaven.

Here are some things we know about heaven from Scripture:

No more death, grief, tears, sorrow, or pain:

Revelation 21:4 NLT “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever."

God has prepared something unimaginable for us:

1. Corinthians 2:9 NLT “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”

A new glorious body:

Philippians 3:20-21 NLT “But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.”

2. Corinthians 5:3 NLT “For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies.”

2. Corinthians 5:1 NLT “For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands.”

No more seeing and understanding partially:

1. Corinthians 13:12 NLT “Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.”

Streets of gold, gates of pearls:

Revelation 21:21 NLT “The twelve gates were made of pearls - each gate from a single pearl! And the main street was pure gold, as clear as glass.”

Harps being played:

Revelation 14:2 NLT “And I heard a sound from heaven like the roar of mighty ocean waves or the rolling of loud thunder. It was like the sound of many harpists playing together.”

Mansions:

John 14:2 NIV “My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?”

Being with Jesus forever:

1. Thessalonians 4:17 NLT “Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.”

Animals in the new heaven and new earth:

Isaiah 11:6-9 NLT “In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard will lie down with the babygoat. The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion, and a little child will lead them all. The cow will graze near the bear. The cub and the calf will lie down together. The lion will eat hay like a cow. The baby will play safely near the hole of a cobra. Yes, a little child will put its hand in a nest of deadly snakes without harm. Nothing will hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain, for as the waters fill the sea, so the earth will be filled with people who know the LORD.”

Wedding feast:

Revelation 19:7-9 NLT “Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself. She has been given the finest of pure white linen to wear. For the fine linen represents the good deeds of God’s holy people. And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb.” And he added, “These are true words that come from God.”

We will receive crowns:

The Crown of Incorruption. This crown is given to those who live a disciplined life.  1. Corinthians 9:25

The Crown of Rejoicing. This crown is given to those who joyously express their faith. 1. Thessalonians 2:19

The Crown of Life. The Crown of Life is given to those who are patient, who endure the trials and tribulations in life. James 1:12

The Crown of Glory. This Crown is given to those who are faithful in ministering to the world. 1. Peter 5:2-4

The Crown of Righteousness. This crown is for all those who long for the return of Jesus. 2. Timothy 4:8

Crystal clear rivers:

Revelation 22:1 NLT “Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.”

See the face of Jesus:

Revelation 22:4 “And they will see his face…”

It will never be dark:

Revelation 22:5 NLT “And there will be no night there—no need for lamps or sun—for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever.”

A healing Tree of Life: 

Revelation 22:2 NLT “It flowed down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations.”

Revelation 22:14 NLT “They will be permitted to enter through the gates of the city and eat the fruit from the tree of life.”

No more curse:

Revelation 22:3 NLT “No longer will there be a curse upon anything.”

Philippians 3:20-21 NLT “But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.”

God Can Do It | Institute of Love

What you as a Christian need to know is that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, does not waver between “Yes” and “No.” He always does what He says! (See 2. Corinthians 1:19) God gives you the Holy Spirit and works miracles among you because you believe the message you heard about Christ. (See Galatians 3:5) I always say this; that God can do anything, anytime, anywhere with anybody! Why? “For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37 NLT “and what is impossible for people is possible with God.” Luke 18:27 NLT Just have faith in God, because that pleases Him greatly! (See Hebrews 11:6) Remember that “faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1 NLT That is why whenever God promises you something, you can count on it through faith that He will do it, no matter how impossible it might look! God demonstrates that throughout history, as we can read in the scriptures. He miraculously led the people of Israel out of Egypt, just as He promised, right through the Red Sea as though they were on dry ground. But when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were all drowned. (See Hebrews 11:29) Or for instance Sarah, Abraham's wife, who was able to have a child even though she was barren and way too old to conceive. She believed that God would keep His promise to give her a child. (See Hebrews 11:11) It would take too long, as the Bible says, to recount the stories of the faith of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. (See Hebrews 11:32-33) God's promises are indeed YES and Amen! Trust Him!

A True Christian | Institute of Love

A True Christian | Institute of Love


Being a true follower of Christ is all about actions that speaks louder than words! A true Christian knows what real love is because Jesus gave up His life for us. That's why a true Christian also gives up his or her life for his or her brothers and sisters. A true Christian doesn't understand how it is possible for someone who has enough money to live well, to show no compassion when he sees a brother or sister in need. How can God’s love be in that person, the true Christian would ask? (See 1. John 3:16-17)

When God’s people are in need, the true Christian is ready to help them. He or she is always eager to practice hospitality. (See Romans 12:13) The true Christian cheerfully shares his or her home with those who need a meal or a place to stay. (See 1. Peter 4:9) Because, “what good is it, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?” James 2:14-16 NLT

It is essential that Christians who are rich in this world are taught not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. They need to be told to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this, they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life. (See 1. Timothy 6:17-19)  They “should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35 NLT

Bad Leaders | Institute of Love

Bad Leaders | Institute of Love

There are lots of Christians who have been wounded by self-centered, narcissistic church leaders. Here is a typical example from the Bible about Diotrephes, who “loved to be the leader.” He refused to have anything to do with teachers who were traveling for the Lord. He made evil accusations against them and refused to welcome them. He also told others not to help them and when they did help, he put them out of the church. (See 3. John 1:5-10) Diotrephes, and others like him, are manipulating and controlling people in the church for their own personal interests instead of loving and caring for them. They never learned what it means “not to lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.” 1. Peter 5:3 NLT 

This is what the Bible says about what you should do when dealing with the selfish controlling attitude of bad pastors and leaders like Diotrephes; “don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God.” 3. John 1:11 NLT This basically means; “Stay away from them. Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests.” Romans 16:17-18 NLT

Understand Your Calling | Institute of Love

Understand Your Calling | Institute of Love

By Sophia Christiaan

We have to understand our callings. When you are called as an evangelist, all you want to do, and what you are good at, is helping people find salvation in Christ. Your spirit is always busy figuring out how to reach out to the world with the Gospel.

When you are a teacher, you don’t mind digging deep into complicated scripture to dig out hidden treasures, and you relish in the idea of helping people get more knowledge and understanding of the Word.

When you are an apostle, you have a gift of pioneering new works for the Kingdom and a gift to put the right people in the right positions in ministry.

When you are a pastor, you can never get enough of encouraging people and always have an embracing attitude toward everyone. You love people and love to be a source of strength and encouragement to them. You have infinite patience with struggling or disobedient Christians.

When you are a helper, you are good at, and delight in helping other servants of God. You always have an eye for what needs to be done and supports wherever you are needed. You are usually a humble and meek person without the need for much attention on yourself.

When you have a prophetic calling, you are slightly different than the rest. Although you have a great measure of love, it is usually directed at seeing to it that God’s Truth is being properly revered by the people. Your love is a love for God’s truth, and you are offended on behalf of God when people don’t respect the Lord. You will go through much persecution and hatred because of your outspoken love and zeal for God. People either hate or love you because wherever you go, you bring out the truth of that person’s character.

When you are a giver, you take your responsibility of giving very seriously and carefully listen to God’s voice, always obeying His commands.

When you have a gift of faith, believing for impossible things come easy to you. You lead others and encourage them by being who you are to also strive to have more faith. Miracles tend to follow your walk.

When you have a gift to perform miracles, you live in a state of always being ready to minister and pray for people, as your service may be required of you at any moment. You may have other strong gifts as well, such as a prophetic gift. Your life is a life of total dedication to the Lord.

When you have the gift of wisdom, wise and helpful words flow from your lips at just the right time. You may also be a good counselor or a gifted writer.

When you have the gift of special knowledge, it may be either to explain certain spiritual matters well so others may be enlightened, or it may be words of knowledge about another person that no one knows, so to heal, deliver, or encourage that individual.

See Ephesians 4:11, 1. Corinthians 12:4-11, Romans 12:6-8

Why You Don’t Get What You Ask For | Institute of Love

Why You Don’t Get What You Ask For | Institute of Love

Condemned By Hypocrites | Institute of Love

Condemned By Hypocrites | Institute of Love

Accuser Of The Brethren | Institute of Love

Accuser Of The Brethren | Institute of Love

Abuse Of Women

Abuse Of Women | Institute of Love

False Doctrines Of Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses | Institute of Love

False Doctrines Of Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses | Institute of Love

Live Properly Among Your Unbelieving Neighbors (May 26, 2013)

God said to “be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.” 1. Peter 2:12 NLT The way you live properly and behave honorably among your unbelieving neighbors, which also includes your so-called Christian brothers and sisters who do not believe in you, is that you are patient and kind. You are not jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. You do not demand your own way. You are not irritable and keep record of being wronged. You do not rejoice about injustice, but you rejoice whenever the truth wins out. You never give up or lose faith. You are always hopeful, and endure through every circumstance. (See 1. Corinthians 13:4-7) Your godly loving attitude will certainly have a silencing effect on those ignorant people who falsely and foolishly accuse you of doing wrong, as the Bible says; “It is God’s will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you.” 1. Peter 2:15 NLT

Who Would Benefit... (May 24, 2013)

You may ask yourself these questions; who would benefit from covering the real truth about the Benghazi terrorist attack on the American Embassy in Libya that killed four innocent americans on September 11, 2012 right before the presidential election in November 2012? Who would benefit from the Justice Department unlawfully snooping around in conservative journalists emails, or who would benefit from the IRS unjustly denying to approve non-profit status for conservative groups? The answer is too simple to be ignored; it's President Barack Obama who had every reason to make sure that his conservative opponents would not stand in the way of his bid for reelection! But just like in the days of Noah, God does see the corruption (See Genesis 6:11) and this is a dangerous game to play, because God warns that “cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur.” Revelation 21:8 NLT  I believe God is urging us to pray for this president whom He wants saved and to understand the truth. (See 1. Timothy 2:4)

Testimony (May 22, 2013)

People be encouraged! 

The apostle Paul said at one point; “Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom.” (2. Timothy 4:18 NLT) What Paul was talking about was that he has “been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food.” (2. Corinthians 6:5 NLT)

He also testified that he serves God whether people honor him or despise him, whether they slander him or praise him, or whether they call him an imposter. (See 2. Corinthians 6:8) Here is another powerful statement that Paul made: “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.” (2. Corinthians 4:8-9 NLT)

This tells me that, “if God is for us, who can ever be against us?” (Romans 8:31 NLT) and indeed that “no weapon formed against you shall prosper,” (Isaiah 54:17 NKJV) Yes, if God is for you, no matter what the devil tries, he will never be able to stop you! I myself am a living testimony of that, as you can see if you read my biography on our website: http://instituteoflove.net/about-us.

Really A Christian? By Sophia Christiaan (May 19, 2013)

It has become an almost daily occurrence hearing of someone who discovered, after many years, that someone they know, who they thought was a good Christian person, isn't actually a Christian at all, and actually never was.

This is such a sensitive topic, you say, one that should be left alone because we "cannot judge someone's heart." How many times have I heard this argument? Uncountable.

No, we may have to leave the judging of someone's heart to God, who has promised He will search out the motives of each heart.

"… Then all the churches will know that I am the one who searches out the thoughts and intentions of every person. And I will give to each of you whatever you deserve." (Revelation 2:23 NLT)

But, as startling many believers have yet to discover, the Bible is clear about having discernment, judging every spirit to see if it comes from God, and being aware of wolves in sheep's clothing. If we ignore this part, we do ourselves a disservice, simply because we find it too uncomfortable to test people, or because this world’s spirit has successfully indoctrinated us to conform to a gospel of tolerance.  

One major reason why some would rather leave the discerning of people alone, is because they feel like they themselves have sinned and come short so many times that they fear passing judgment on others, lest they should be judged themselves. Please, let us not fall in this category. It doesn't take a perfect person to follow Christ, only a willing one. If we allow Satan to take away our ability and right to discern spirits, we will be lacking a major and crucial component of the Christian life!

Yes, we have all sinned, but we don't continue to sin. We repent and learn and get healed and move on stronger than before. Anyone, who hasn't been disciplined by God, doesn't know the immense satisfaction of being pruned and cleansed by the Almighty himself. It's such a joy and privilege to be corrected by God, knowing that He cares so much for us that He takes the time to work on our characters.

Here is an important scripture concerning our judging. (PS. Let us be fully aware that judging and condemning are two entirely different issues. Judging is when we rightfully discern the intentions of a certain individual, while condemning is when we take it upon ourselves to pronounce over someone that they are doomed forever, without hope of redemption.)

"When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin,or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people. It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.” (1. Corinthians 5:9-13 NLT)

As this scripture passage suggests, we must take an active role in discerning evil people. We cannot be intimidated to "mind our own business." 

Another reference to discernment, we find in Matthew 7. These verses deal directly with so-called "insiders," people who call themselves Christians, even claiming to be part of the five-fold ministry.

“Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.” (Matthew 7:15-20 NLT)

Here is a list of warning signs of how to spot a false Christian: (Note: This list is only a pointer and must not be replaced by the usual exercising of spiritual discernment.)

• Is "private" about his faith, claiming it's a "personal" matter.

• Doesn't participate in worship.

• Doesn't mention the name Jesus.

• Doesn't talk about godly issues during the day.

• Doesn't use faith-language, such as "God will come through for us", "I trust God for provision", "God is a miracle working God", "He will make a way" and so on.

• Doesn't pray, or lead others to pray.

• Falls into temptation regularly.

• Trusts in decision making, common sense, and abilities rather than seeking God for answers.

• Bypasses God.

• Uses church as a social or business event.

• Talks down on spiritual leaders.

• Doesn't take correction.

• Never changes.

• Isn't spirit-filled.

• Doesn't have a testimony of personal salvation or never shares it.

• Doesn't understand spiritual matters but talks and judges carnally.

• Doesn't have victory over sin.

• Isn't baptized.

• Isn't humble.

• Has no interest in or knowledge of the Scriptures.

Entering the season of division

The time has come for the church to see and discern clearly those among the sheep herd who are not real sheep and not be afraid to expose them. (See Matthew 13:3-8, 18-23.)

I believe we are living in a time right now where the true Christian and the religious brother will start being irrevocably divided. This must take place, as it is a sign of the end times. For those who have spiritual ears to hear and eyes to see, it will become increasingly visible who is a real Christian and who is not. Those who worship God in spirit and truth will find each other and know each other by the spirit. They will have fellowship without knowing one another, as if they had always known each other. They will come together over the cause of advancing the Kingdom of God, always having this common goal. They will meet in secret and share spiritual food with each other, building up one another, and encouraging one another to stand strong in God's mighty power during times of tribulation, suffering, and persecution. They will always be willing to share their testimony of salvation and faith, taking every opportunity to glorify and praise Jesus Christ, their Savior.

A true leader will not try to advance himself to a leadership position, but be called by God to lead the flock. He will shepherd humbly, with deep reverence for the Holy Spirit and His guidance, knowing that the church belongs to God, not him. He will never lord over the flock (1. Pet. 5:3), but gently care for it and make sure everyone gets the opportunity to be washed by the cleansing of God's Word (Eph. 5:26) so they can be a ready bride when Jesus comes back in the clouds to rescue her (Rev. 1:7).

A time of deception as never seen before lies ahead, let us sharpen every tool we have to be able to discern spiritually, so we will not be among those who fall away when times of testing comes our way.

"The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word." (Mark 4:16, 17 NLT)

Essentials For Christian Life (May 15, 2013) By Sophia Christiaan

"I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ —for this will bring much glory and praise to God." Philippians 1:9-11 NLT

Let’s break down this amazing, wonderful scripture Paul wrote to the Christians in Philippi:

I pray…

Paul was praying for the believers he helped lead to Jesus Christ. He had a sincere desire and wish for them to mature and be strengthened in their faith. We can pray this scripture word by word for ourselves and for the ones we love. These three verses in Philippians capture the essence of how a Christian should live.

Your love will overflow more and more…

God’s desire for us is that we really understand what love is and that it, in all its many facets, may be expressed through our lives. “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” (1. Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT) Love will flow out of our lives when we know how loved we are, and have a deep revelation of God’s love for us.

Keep on growing in knowledge and understanding…

Many Christians never grow up to full maturity because of lack of good Biblical teaching and understanding of how to apply God’s Word to their personal lives and solving problems through this knowledge. “This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:13 NLT)

Understand what really matters…

Paul wanted them to understand the essentials of Christian life in order to avoid deception and being sidetracked by teachings that are either false or doesn’t produce any fruit! “Don't let anyone lead you astray with empty philosophy and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the evil powers of this world, and not from Christ.” (Colossians 2:8 NLT)

Live pure and blameless lives…

Paul wanted them to understand what was really important to do as a Christian, and part of that is to live pure and blameless lives. Why? Because we are representatives of Christ to a sinful world who are looking to us for answers. If we live sinfully and vacillate without commitment to holiness, what are we portraying? How can we be a light to a dark world? What would our testimony be? God saved me from sin, but I still just need to do this one little sin on the side?

Filled with the fruit of salvation – the righteous character produced in your life…

After salvation, there is so much more. There is a whole world that opens up to the believer once he has accepted Christ. Now begins the character shaping in his life; the work of shaping and forming, disciplining and correcting him that the Holy Spirit does. The real fruit of a Christian’s life is that his character has been molded to become just like Christ’s. Are you there yet?

This will bring much glory and praise to God

All we do, and especially allowing the Holy Spirit to produce godly character in us, is for the purpose of bringing glory to God. We show how much we love Christ when we yield to His voice and obey His commandments. “If you love me, obey my commandments.” (John 14:15 NLT)

The Harvest Is Great... (May 14, 2013)

Jesus called and sent His disciples out on a circuit of villages to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He instructed them not to take anything for the journey; no travelers bag, food, money, or even a change of clothes. He also told them that wherever they go they should stay in the same house until they leave town, and eat and drink whatever they are provided. (See Luke 9:1-6 and Luke 10:1-7)

God also, just like these disciples, called my wife and I to live this kind of missionary lifestyle of going from city to city, house to house, for almost seven years. Unfortunately, we and other believers, who also had the same missionary calling, encountered much criticism from especially Christians, who thought that this type of lifestyle cannot be from God, and they would say things like; you need a stabile home. Some even called people like us vagabonds. But Jesus said in Luke 10:2 NLT: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few.”

I believe the time has come, as never before, for missionary workers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to be send out to preach the Kingdom of God, cast out demons, and heal the sick!

Kudos to God's missionaries who are working in the field right now!

Dining With Jesus (May 13, 2013)

When you became a born-again Christian it was because Jesus Christ knocked at the door of your heart calling you, and you heard His voice and opened the door of your heart, and He came in and started sharing a meal together with you as friends. (See Revelation 3:20)

The first entree on the menu was pure spiritual milk that made you grow into a full experience of salvation. (See 1. Peter 2:2) After enjoying this for a season, it was time for the main course which was solid food that is only for those who are mature, who through training, have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong. (See Hebrews 5:14)

Now, because of the way you act, you have become like a tree that produces only good fruits. (See Matthew 7:15-20) Even better, you continue to grow, producing a harvest of of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted! (See Mark 4:20) You are the salt of the earth, full of flavor! (See Matthew 5:13) Yes, for people to taste and see that the Lord is GOOD!!! (See Psalm 34:8)

You have modeled your life after Romans 12:1-21:

You gave your body to God because of all He has done for you. You are living a holy sacrificial lifestyle—the kind God finds acceptable. This is the way you truly worship Him. You don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but you let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. This is how you learned to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

You don’t think you are better than you really are. You are honest in your evaluation of yourself, measuring yourself by the faith God has given you.

You don't just pretend to love others. You really love them. You hate what is wrong. You hold tightly to what is good. You love people with genuine affection, and you take delight in honoring others. You are not lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. You are confident, hopeful, and always full of joy. You are patient in trouble, and you always keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, you are ready to help them. You are always eager to practice hospitality. You bless those who persecute you. You don’t curse them, but you pray that God will bless them. You are happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. You live in harmony with others. You are not too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And you don’t think you know it all! You never pay back evil with more evil. You do things in such a way that everyone can see that you are honorable.

You do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. You never take revenge. You leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge;
 I will pay them back,” says the Lord. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, you feed them. 
If they are thirsty, you give them something to drink. In doing this, you heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” You don’t let evil conquer you, but you conquer evil by doing good.