We have a soul Our thoughts and perceptions are often based upon the physical realm, and usually focused upon those things that are tangible: what we can see and touch. However, there are things that exist that are not physical, and are spiritual. For example, we have a spiritual body (our soul) that lives inside our physical body. Jesus declared: • “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul ? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul ?” Matthew 16:26 • “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul . But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28 • “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul , and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37 “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 “When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held.” Revelation 6:9 Our soul has a personality The personality of our soul is defined by the combination of characteristics that form our character. These characteristics include how we think, how we express our emotions, our behavior, the words we speak, the style of clothes we wear, and so forth. What’s interesting to consider is each one of us has a one- of-a-kind soul, which is evidenced by our unique personalities. These differences are not by random chance, but by God’s design. In the same way every snowflake is unique, no two persons are alike (physically and spiritually)—which reveals a wonderous aspect of God’s nature. However, many do not realize our personality: • Is an expression of our soul. • Can reveal the spiritual status of our soul by how we act and the words we speak. O ur soul is comprised of different components “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit , soul , and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23 “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two- edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit , and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart , with all your soul , and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37 Our soul includes our spiritual heart. Our soul is where God’s apportioned faith dwells. Our soul is where our sinful nature resides. Our soul includes our mind. Our soul is where our conscience is located. Our soul is the source of our wide-array of emotions. Our soul encompasses our spirit. And each of these components—while separate—are mysteriously integrated as one. But what’s more important…our soul will never die. Note in the graphic above how our physical senses (eyes, ears, etc.) provide a “communication link” between our physical body and our soul—which enables our soul to communicate with others within the physical realm. Our temporary physical body simply provides a means for our soul to move from one place to another, facilitates interaction with the world around us (to support physical survival), and allows our soul to communicate with other souls who are encased within their physical bodies. For additional information on our soul, read “Body, Soul, Heart and Spirit” on UniqueBibleStudies.com. Our soul was born with a sinful nature Excluding Jesus Christ—who was conceived by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:26-35)—every person conceived by man and woman is born spiritually dead—which is demonstrated by our sinful nature—and characterized by sin, an unrepentant heart, and a desire to avoid/hide from God. “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.” Romans 5:12 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 The evidence of our sinful nature is revealed by our own behavior. It is revealed by the darkened and destructive behavior by those whom we know, by those within our cities, and by those who are leading nations. The sinful nature of our soul is also evidenced when a child will lie when they have been caught doing something they know is wrong (including adults). The child will even deny the truth when given factual evidence of their wrongdoing. For example, a child has cookie crumbs on their face and hands. The mother asks, “Did you eat the cookies I told you not to eat before dinner?” The child responds, “No.” “Why are there cookie crumbs on your face?” “I don’t know.” “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8 It is because of the sinful nature of our soul we are separated from God and spiritually dead because of our sins. Ephesians 2:1-3 and Colossians 2:13 declares: • We are dead in trespasses and sins. • Our behavior seeks to fulfill the lusts of our flesh and mind. • We walk according to the prince of the power of the air (Satan). Jesus said we must be born again. • “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3 • “You must be born again.” John3:5 For more information on our sinful nature and what it means to be born again, read “3 Types of death, 1 Source of Life” and “What is a Born-Again Christian” on UniqueBibleStudies.com.   Our soul has spiritual status indicators Our soul expresses itself through our physical body in various ways. For example, our soul expresses itself by our personality, our emotions, the words we speak, our behavior, and the love we share with others. But what’s more, each of these expressions can reveal the spiritual status of our soul—which may range from being caustic, t o amiable, to a soul that expresses God’s agape love. The above graphic is not based upon scientific analysis nor psychological scrutiny. It is simple, logical, and provides an easy to understand and referenceable means to discern the spiritual status of our soul and the soul of others. As we move from left to right, from caustic to agape, we become less like ourselves and more like Jesus. Caustic Soul Caustic is defined as something that is acidic, corrosive, destructive, and often poisonous. From a human interaction perspective, caustic may also be defined as someone who: • Exhibits discomforting behavior that conflicts against our logical senses and mind. • Speaks words that can hurt others and destroy relationships. “Caustic” is an all-encompassing term that describes a soul that has an abrasive personality, expresses irritating emotions, speaks offensive words, and demonstrates troubling behavior that harms themselves and others. Here are terms that define the characteristics of a caustic soul: Unkind Bitter Scathing Bitin Sarcastic Hateful Vicious Vitriolic Cruel Hurtful Nasty Spiteful Vindictive Mean Self-centered The expression of a caustic soul may be compared to a fumarole. A fumarole is a vent in the earth’s surface that emits volcanic gasses that stink and are poisonous to living organisms. Jesus said, “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.” Matthew 15:18-19 Every person can remember at least one caustic person they have encountered during their life—including the negative and emotional consequences that were experienced. Plus, every one of us can identify times when we have been caustic towards others—including the negative and emotional consequences caused by our actions. Some persons, including Christians, may be unaware of their causticity. As such, it is important to continually evaluate what flows from our heart—especially our words. Our words are a reflection of our soul and are more powerful than we realize. Proverbs 4:23 states, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” Proverbs 18:21 states, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.” James 3:6-12 “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.” Ephesians 4:31 “But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.” Colossians 3:8 “Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you.” Proverbs 4:24 “There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health.” Proverbs 12:18 Each of the above scriptures speak to perils of caustic words. However, in contrast to causticity, agape love seeks to act and speak in a way that spiritually helps others—and is “infused” with God’s grace. God’s grace—His forgiveness for who we are and what we have done—is the source of the upwelling and overflowing life- giving actions and words that we can share with others. “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” Ephesians 4:29 “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” Colossians 4:6 “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” Colossians 3:12-13 “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 To learn more about how forgiveness can heal the “scars” and causticity within our soul, read “The Power of Forgiveness,” and “God’s Grace and the Hardened Heart” on UniqueBibleStudies.com. Reasons why someone may be caustic Scars from trauma Trauma is when someone experiences something they should not experience—especially a child. For example, witnessing the divorce of parents; the death of a parent; receiving physical, sexual or mental abuse—all create deep scars within our soul. However, trauma may also occur when someone does not receive something they should experience. For example, a child needs to be raised in a secure and loving environment that provides proper guidance and positive reinforcement. The lack of these much-needed experiences as a child can also leave scars. Traumatic scars can influence the degree of causticity one expresses as an adult. Important Note: One who experienced childhood trauma should seek professional help in overcoming these barriers to spiritual growth. However, there are two key points to consider. First, it is important to forgive who caused the trauma—because forgiveness is for the benefit of the one who was harmed. Second, the one who was traumatized must realize it was not their fault, nor should they feel any guilt or shame. But rather, their experience occurred because the one responsible for their trauma was living in darkness and was bound by the lies of sin. Slave to sin Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.” John 8:34 Bob Dylan—in his song “Gotta Serve Somebody,” wrote the words “You’re gonna serve somebody. It may be the devil or it may be the Lord. But you’re gonna have to serve somebody.” Virtually every Christian can relate to the truth of Daylan’s song because of the addictive nature that causes one to become enslaved to sin. In addition, when we are controlled by sin, we have a higher propensity to be caustic because of (1) the various means one must justify their behavior, and (2) all of the negative consequences of the sin such as emotional pain, shame, anger, frustrations, and so forth. Hardened heart One of the consequences of trauma and sin is a hardened heart. Trauma victims will create “defensive shields” to repel, evade, thwart, or stop from being hurt. For those who are in sin, the same type of “defensive shields” protects the darkness from the light of truth. Meanwhile, the heart hardens, spiritual awareness is constricted, reception of God’s grace is obstructed, darkness becomes darker, and causticity rises. Temptation, trial or tribulation Going through a temptation, trial or tribulation can be a stressful experience for both Christians and non- Christians. These experiences may challenge our faith and cause negative emotions to rise. These events may cause each of us to respond with higher degrees of caustic behavior and words—especially if we are experiencing anxiety or fear. Amiable Soul An amiable soul is commonly defined as being friendly, pleasant and likeable. In addition, an amiable person is sociable, unconfrontational, and lacks the caustic “barbs” in behavior and words that offends others. As such, it is important for Christians to express amiability—such as sharing a smile, speaking positive words, and being sociable. Amiable is a foundational prerequisite in sharing agape love. However, being amiable does not have the same degree of spiritual influence as when one becomes a vessel for God by expressing an outpouring of His agape love. Agape Soul Agape love is the highest form of love. It is a pure, sacrificial and willful resolve to elevate the welfare of others above our own. But what’s more, humans are incapable of expressing agape love on their own—because the source of agape is from God. “The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:5 Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” John 15:13 Jesus fulfilled His declared truth (and as a pure example of agape love) when He willingly gave His life as a sacrifice and atonement for our sins. Jesus knew those who crucified Him were living in darkness and sin. He also knew those who crucified Him were manipulated by Satan. He also knew His death would provide absolute and eternal forgiveness for those who believe. After He had been beaten, after He had been mocked, after He had been nailed to the cross to die a horrible death…He expressed His agape love when He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” Luke 23:34 Here are terms that define the characteristics of an agape soul: Caring Sympathetic Empathetic Concerned Benevolence Charitable Gentile Thoughtful Compassionate Kindhearted Considerate Selfless Paul declared our works should be based upon love; and provides examples of soul-driven expressions of love. “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-7 A soul that expresses God’s love may be compared to an upwelling spring that provides living water (and a light) for those who are parched and living in darkness . Jesus said: • “Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." John 4:14 • “He who believes in Me, as the scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38 Jesus also said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12 The light of Jesus: • Illuminates what is hidden in Satan’s darkness. • Enables us to see the hidden pain behind the facades displayed by others. • Provides insight into those aspects of our soul that need to be transformed into His likeness. R elationship between caustic, amiable and agape Here are some relevant points to consider: • Caustic and agape are incongruous, discordant, and like oil and water, don’t mix. A caustic soul will have difficulty in expressing God’s agape love. • One who is caustic may express varying degrees of amiability, but may be perceived as portraying conflicting behavior. For example, one may question why the caustic person is being nice. Is there an ulterior motive? • Amiability and agape are harmonious and synergistic. For example, amiability provides an opportunity to express agape. Conclusion The heart of every Christian soul should seek to obey and love God. As we obey and grow in love with Him, He fills us with His love in return to share with others. As each day passes, and as we are cleansed from within, we become an improved vessel for God’s grace and love to flow through us—for the benefit of others—and for His glory. Jesus said, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus also said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 The source of love for God and others is found in God’s grace and the love that He extended to us in His Son, Jesus Christ—who willingly died for us so that we can be eternally forgiven for our sins. Each time we sin against God; each time we realize the devastation that occurs from our sin; each time we comprehend why God is directing us away from those things that harm us; each time we ask for forgiveness; and each time we experience God’s grace for what we have done…is when we are embraced by God’s love…and we love Him more! “We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19 It is only the love of God that can heal and transform our soul so that we can experience agape love for Him and others. “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever.” 1 Peter 1:22-23 “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; 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. For he who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. 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 3:8-12 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.” Psalms 19:14 Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 All for His Glory! Harold D. Thomas Self-Analysis Tool I n lieu of quiz questions, this lesson includes a self- analysis tool. This analytical tool is intended to: • Be completed individually. It should not be shared in a group setting, but assigned as a personal exercise. • Facilitate introspective analysis—thereby providing an opportunity to learn more about ourselves. • Identify areas of causticity that may hinder spiritual growth. • Spiritually benefit the user. If possible, it is beneficial to seek the assistance of a trusted friend who: • Will maintain strict confidentiality. • Knows you well and can be truthfully honest in verifying your selection for each analytical variable. • Note: My wife assisted me in completing the tool. I had to change a couple of my selections after she “lovingly challenged” a few of my choices. “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17 Entry Instructions Take time to reflect upon each analytical variable to determine often, sometimes, rarely, or never. Be honest with yourself when you determine a numeric value for each variable, because this tool is for your benefit. There are two versions of the self-analysis too l. • One is on this web page (below). • The other is a downloadable PDF file. (Cick the PDF button to download). If you are using this web page you must write down the value of each analytical variable on paper and add manually the total. You need Adobe Reader (download free from Play Store) to use the PDF file on a cell phone. Enter the numeric value for each analytical variable in the right column, then select the next cell. The PDF file will automatically sum all entries into a single total at the bottom. A lower total number = higher causticity A higher total number = greater agape No one will get a perfect score because we all fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) However, this exercise provides us with insight into the spiritual status of our soul. Additional exercise: Given the different terms provided in the lesson below, identify one term that best describes caustic, and one term that best describes agape. Here are terms that define the characteristics of a caustic soul: Unkind Bitter Scathing Biting Sarcastic Hateful Vicious Vitriolic Cruel Hurtful Nasty Spiteful Vindictive Mean Self-centered Here are terms that define the characteristics of an agape soul: Caring Sympathetic Empathetic Concerned Benevolence Charitable Gentile Thoughtful Compassionate Kindhearted Considerate Selfless Additional exercise: Identify at least: • One thing you discovered about yourself from this lesson. • One thing you need to improve by: o Praying. o Seeking God’s word. o Obeying the guidance of the Holy Spirit. o Note: Review all analytical variables with a score of 3 or less. Can you think of someone who may benefit from this lesson? If yes, PASS IT ON!