What Manner of Spirit

Are we moving in the manner of God’s Spirit? Are we moving in the manner of His love? Evidently, it was very significant to Jesus—in what manner of spirit we are controlled.

“And as they went, they entered a village of the Samaritans, to prepare for Him. But they [the Samaritans] did not receive Him, because His face was set for the journey to Jerusalem. And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, ‘Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?’ But He turned and rebuked them, and said, ‘You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.’ And they went to another village.” (Luke 9:52-56 NKJV)

Notedly, Jesus would rebuke His disciples for failing to engage with His heart (1 Cor. 13:4; 2 Pet. 3:9). Might Jesus bring a similar rebuke to some of us as well? Do we know “what manner of spirit” we are of, as we represent God’s heart to the world? 

Significantly, as believers, we have been given a grand assignment—we are Christ’s ambassadors, entreating the world (2 Cor. 5:14-15, 18-20). So then, have we been entreating in the manner of His Spirit, or have we been entreating in another? Indeed, as Christ’s representatives, we must get this right (1 John 4:8; 1 Cor. 13:1-3). The Spirit of Love should have control over all our interactions, whatever we may do or may say.

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For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf. (2 Corinthians 5:14-15 NASB)