Click for a description of the mark of the beast
“…not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing,
knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.”
It’s very difficult to deny that love has gone cold in this world. Whenever an apartment becomes vacant near me, my prayer is that the next occupant will be a follower of Jesus Christ who embraces the love of God. After over seven years, and numerous new neighbors, it never happens. In fact, they are rude anytime that I’m seen wearing my t-shirt that says, “Normal Isn’t Coming Back, Jesus Is. Revelation 14.” They associate Jesus with compassionate qualities that they detest. This Christless world puts under duress the simplest act of compassion, love, humbleness, and tenderheartedness. Even so, the Holy Spirit calls us to focus on kindheartedness, “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be humble.” 1 Peter 3:8
I wouldn’t last a day in these apartments if I treated my neighbors with the same verbal rudeness and spite in which they throw at me routinely. That rude spitefulness is in every sector of society, such as grocery stores, workplaces, schools, doctor offices, public transportation services, churches, public events, etc. The masses in cities around the world are living by the mark of the beast which despises the compassion and tenderheartedness of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is their archenemy. As a follower of Jesus Christ, we suffer various types of afflictions, but we always respond from the Gospel of peace. We maintain faith while keeping in mind our Salvation and remaining set apart from the attitudes of this world. The world hates Jesus Christ and it hates us too, but through Him we are called to inherit a blessing that far outweighs the hardships in this world. We are called to the inheritance of eternal life in the new heaven and new earth. As written, “…not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:9
I’ve learned to restrain my tongue a long time ago to avoid being labeled a difficult person or troublemaker. Those who govern by the mark of the beast do not tolerate criticism nor sass to those who live by the mark of the beast. Even then, I maintain the truth of God in Jesus Christ. “He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit.” 1 Peter 3:10
In my heart, I’m still full of good works while remaining persistent in living at peace with others. I saw a neighbor grab a bicycle from the garbage bin and he brought it to me to repair so that he could ride it. I immediately saw that the bike was too small for him, so I gave him one of my 26″ bicycles, I had two. I felt that would be better than turning my back on him, which would have felt like turning my back on the Holy Spirit, “Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it” 1 Peter 3:11 He had it for about a week then got rid of it. I believe his purpose of asking me to repair it was to use and abuse my Christianity, and the reason he got rid of it was to spite to my generosity. Anyway, I know that the eyes of the Lord are on me and are also on those around me, “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:12
“….to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets,“
‘I will not impose any other burden on you, except to hold on to what you have until I come.’”
“I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”
Revelation 2:24-25, 3:11
Spiritual Society in Jesus Christ 