I need to be reminded often that it is not force, it is not logic, it is not really even desire for the most part that prompts dramatic change in our relationship with God and the ability to overcome sin and be free. It starts with love. It comes from understanding that we have been bought with a price, with great love and sacrifice. If we always remember this and continually look up to Jesus Christ who paid the ultimate price for our salvation then we cannot help but have a broken heart, a humble heart which gives us the desire and the strength to change.
I think about Peter when Christ said "when thou art converted. strengthen thy brethren". This is someone who walked on water, performed miracles in Christ's name, saw the miracles of Christ daily, yet Christ said this to him. I think that it wasn't until the sacrifice was completed and the realization of what had been done for them, in their behalf, that the apostles became truly converted. I think it is the same with us. We can have a superficial knowledge that things are true but true conversion, deep conversion happens in the realization of the depth of love that God has for us by suffering as He did. Acceptance of the gift means surrendering our life and our will to Him. For how could we not, knowing all that He went through for us.
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