12:1-2 The introduction of this chapter points out to us that we are "surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses." Whether we realize it or not, our words are heard by others; our behavior is seen by others. Our reactions and expressions are felt by others. "Therefore" this verse begins, reminding us of our former lesson in chapter 11 (in which we learned that we are guided expertly through tribulation)... therefore, do not succumb to negative behavior or thoughts. Humanity is witnessing your actions; use your influence positively.
Remove the weight of anxiety, anger, fear, and the insatiable desire for material things which ensnare us. Live life with endurance, with patience and hope and compassion... with the strength your faith cultivates within you.
12:3 It is vital that we remember we are not alone in enduring life. Thousands of years of humanity's time here have experience joy and strife, tribulation and achievement, patience and frustration. Rather than becoming weary or discouraged, remember that the strength to overcome is given abundantly when it is asked for. Comfort and love, compassion and justice manifest within and around you when you invite them in. When you are familiar with each other, all the more productive your work.
12:4 The epistle preaches to those without developed or valued faith: those who have not tried. Those whose works on earth do not strive against evil. Even a bad attitude has a negative impact on the world. It is imperative that we are conscious of the energy we put out into the earth.
12:5-6 Because we are loved, we are guided and guidance sometimes can be confused with punishment. Proverbs 3:11-12 explains to us that if we want to grow, we must respect constructive criticism from our God. And if you're observant, you will receive it. We ourselves must value and discipline ourselves. Meaning that we must hold ourselves to certain standards, be patient while we attempt to reach them, and be stern when we know better but do not do better. All growth comes from having discipline, the ability to organize and train ourselves.
12:7-9 As children of God, he leads as the parent He is. We are born from His creative hand. Allow His wisdom to guide and instruct. God allows for the repercussions of our decisions (i.e He tells us not to touch the stove... we touch it anyway and burn ourselves. He's going to allow the sting.) We grow in character from "tough-love."
How you interact with others is returned to you. It's the natural rebounding energy of life. If we throw a figurative punch, the blow comes back to us. Not because it is a punishment but because what we produce becomes a part of the world. Because we are in the world, we are vulnerable to that which is in it.
7:10-11 If you proclaim yourself as a child of God, you thereby accept Him as a parent. It's the same kind of human parent-child dynamic. A parent's experience qualifies them to make suggestions to you regarding your behavior. While the human parent-child relationship might be flawed, the divine parent-child relationship never is. Our God is omnipotent and omniscient, He is wisdom manifested as light and energy... His advice and discipline can be trusted.
12:12-13 Buck up, spirituality. Take responsibility for yourself. Analyze and observe your behavior, your character, your values. Find the places where improvement is necessary and with passion, improve. Create new habits of thinking and doing. Change your temperament. Make respectable choices. Be honest and fair. Appreciate that every moment is a chance for personal growth.
Allow God's wisdom to align you on a straightened path. In the following verses, we are given the advice with which to begin such a personal journey of growth.
12:14
- Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: your behavior impacts and influences humanity. Your behavior represents the faith that (if exemplified properly by you) might propel a personal toward the same personal growth in faith.
12:15
- Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled: Be observant. Your responsibility is to ensure that justice exists for the people around you. Be vigilant, do not allow elements of evil (unkindness, greed, prejudice, deceit) to exist unchallenged.
12:16 There are people (represented in this verse by Esau of the Old Testament, Genesis 25:29-24) who disregard kindness and justice. People whose only interest is personal gain (at whatever human cost). Our vigilance and commitment to justice is a responsibility.
12:17 Our behavior builds the world around us. Should a person, after a lifetime of evil, awake to view the desolation of their life, they find the reality to be too much to bear. Compassion toward others enables a soul, equips a soul to exist in Spirit. Esau was upset because he realized had nothing, not because of how he had treated others and therefore he remained unable and unequipped to thrive in Spirit.
12:18-21 The Old Testament is referred to: that which was earthly and represented faith has been replaced by Spirit. Instead of having inanimate objects represent God, He has reached out directly to each of us willing to reach back.
12:22 The Jerusalem spoken of in this verse is not the country. It represents this philosophy of faith, this spiritual family under the wing of spiritual life.
12:23-24 A family, an assembly of people who have claimed the blessing of being led by Creation, by God. A family inspired by compassion manifested, Jesus. Whose life has given life.
Zechariah 13:9
I will bring the one–third through the fire,Will refine them as silver is refined,And test them as gold is tested.They will call on My name,And I will answer them.I will say, ‘This is My people’;And each one will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’”
The strong metals (the strong in justice, truth, and love) cannot be harmed by fire. But the fake, the fraudulent (the evil) are eliminated by it.
12:25 We all will be confronted spiritually after life on earth. We cannot run or hide from our natural state, which return to after existing in human form for awhile. Be able to justify all of the moments of your life. Be able to say you put in an honest and compassionate effort.
12:26-27 Even life in spirit receives refinement. Only that which is solid and sturdy in compassion remains.
12:28-29 Our God is a consuming fire, meaning that: the strength and ferocity of His Compassion eliminates the brittle elements of evil. To the compassionate, His fire is a pleasant warmth.
