For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. Romans 8:13
“God hides the prize of eternal glory in our mortifications and in the victory over overselves, which we always strive for with great gentleness.”
Jane Frances de Chantel (1572-1641) in The Quotable Saint by Rosemary Ellen Guiley (New York: Visionary Living, 2002) 181.
The Apostle Paul stated plainly that living for the flesh leads to death and only through mortification by the Spirit do we grasp life.
This way to life is to have victory over ourselves. It’s also a win we must experience in order to grow in generosity and only possible by the Spirit.
But why pursue this victory over ourselves with gentleness? It’s not easy. It takes time and we need to extend grace and kindness to each other.
In plain terms, the person who tends to be hardest on you is yourself. To pursue this victory with gentleness is to season the battle with grace.
The prize for mortification is life. To only only way to get it is to have victory of ourselves. Holy Spirit, help each of us win this battle. Amen.