The quickest way to get confirmation on a thought is to cross-check it with the Bible. If you have the urge to do something, first check to see if there are any instances in the Bible where Jesus/God instructed someone to do something similar...something in the same spirit as your thought/idea.
Simple example is revenge. Sometime I want to react physically or verbally in a way that will definitely hurt someone. I'll convince myself that I'm doing it because they "attacked" me first. But the Bible...aka God tells us to let Him handle those situations. It's very clear. So when I get premeditated ideas to lash out verbally at someone with a witty/hurtful retort, I know that isn't coming from God.
But I agree with you and Leo in the sense that it can be confusing, which is why I entitled this post, Confusing Thoughts.
However, with time, experience and understanding, I (and you) can learn exactly what God wants us to do. It's like any other relationship. The more time...quality time you dedicate to your relationship with God, the better you'll know and understand Him
"How do you know what God wants you to do in any given situation? For example, what is God’s will for your marriage, career, finances, relationships, and so on?
How can you be sure that the little voice you’re hearing (in your head) is God?"
Immediately when I read this bit, my mind or heart searched for what might be an acceptable answer for me, since we are different and may experience this uniquely too.
From what I understand of God and Jesus, they are the very personifications of Love. Knowing this I would know that the good and even the bad I go through is coming from a space of Love and how do I know that I am following God's plan -- Is it possible for me to also imbibe all my actions with a foundation of Love and not be of God's will?
Well, I can say you're absolutely right about God being the very personification of Love.
1st John 1:48 — Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
In my life, the "good and bad" don't necessarily come from God in the way you're probably thinking. I believe that He brings good people and opportunities to me, he opens doors, and also provides resources (Church, Bible, leaders, Parents, Family, friends, etc.) that offer guidance, but I still have to make decisions that enable His blessings.
If/When I choose to do things that are in direct conflict with God's will/way/principles/teachings/guidance — He often shows his Love by being merciful. The bad situations are not as bad as they could've/should've been. I am a living example of someone who has been shown grace. Based on my own decisions — I should be dead....or at least severely impaired. Too many times to count where I could've been hurt, inflicted or killed.
It's always been Gods love in all of those situations that have kept me, and carried me to where I am today.
You also asked if its possible to act out of Love and not be acting in God's will.
The short answer is God is Love, so if you are truly acting in Love, then you are acting in God's will. You just have to be sure that your definition of Love is the same as God's definition of Love.
Like Leo, I am confused and unsure when its my idea or when its God's idea.
The quickest way to get confirmation on a thought is to cross-check it with the Bible. If you have the urge to do something, first check to see if there are any instances in the Bible where Jesus/God instructed someone to do something similar...something in the same spirit as your thought/idea.
Simple example is revenge. Sometime I want to react physically or verbally in a way that will definitely hurt someone. I'll convince myself that I'm doing it because they "attacked" me first. But the Bible...aka God tells us to let Him handle those situations. It's very clear. So when I get premeditated ideas to lash out verbally at someone with a witty/hurtful retort, I know that isn't coming from God.
But I agree with you and Leo in the sense that it can be confusing, which is why I entitled this post, Confusing Thoughts.
However, with time, experience and understanding, I (and you) can learn exactly what God wants us to do. It's like any other relationship. The more time...quality time you dedicate to your relationship with God, the better you'll know and understand Him
"How do you know what God wants you to do in any given situation? For example, what is God’s will for your marriage, career, finances, relationships, and so on?
How can you be sure that the little voice you’re hearing (in your head) is God?"
Immediately when I read this bit, my mind or heart searched for what might be an acceptable answer for me, since we are different and may experience this uniquely too.
From what I understand of God and Jesus, they are the very personifications of Love. Knowing this I would know that the good and even the bad I go through is coming from a space of Love and how do I know that I am following God's plan -- Is it possible for me to also imbibe all my actions with a foundation of Love and not be of God's will?
Well, I can say you're absolutely right about God being the very personification of Love.
1st John 1:48 — Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
In my life, the "good and bad" don't necessarily come from God in the way you're probably thinking. I believe that He brings good people and opportunities to me, he opens doors, and also provides resources (Church, Bible, leaders, Parents, Family, friends, etc.) that offer guidance, but I still have to make decisions that enable His blessings.
If/When I choose to do things that are in direct conflict with God's will/way/principles/teachings/guidance — He often shows his Love by being merciful. The bad situations are not as bad as they could've/should've been. I am a living example of someone who has been shown grace. Based on my own decisions — I should be dead....or at least severely impaired. Too many times to count where I could've been hurt, inflicted or killed.
It's always been Gods love in all of those situations that have kept me, and carried me to where I am today.
You also asked if its possible to act out of Love and not be acting in God's will.
The short answer is God is Love, so if you are truly acting in Love, then you are acting in God's will. You just have to be sure that your definition of Love is the same as God's definition of Love.