Understanding God’s Mercy, Human Choice, and the Significance of Flesh and Spirit
Introduction: Two Spirits at Work
When we read about “My Spirit” in the Bible, it refers to God’s own Spirit—His presence, influence, and guidance in our lives. After humanity’s first act of disobedience in the Garden of Eden, another kind of spirit entered the picture: the spirit of disobedience. This spirit leads people away from God’s ways and toward selfishness and rebellion. Understanding the difference between these two spirits helps us see the ongoing struggle within every person.
God’s Spirit Striving with Humanity
God’s Spirit doesn’t just sit back and watch people drift away. Instead, He actively reaches out, offering mercy and gently nudging us toward repentance—a change of heart and direction. Think of it as a loving parent who warns, guides, and gives their child many chances to do the right thing. But there’s an important truth here: God’s Spirit won’t strive with people forever. There comes a time when repeated warnings are ignored, and God eventually honors our decision to go our own way. His patience is long, but not endless.
Respect for Human Free Will
One of the most remarkable things about God is that He never forces anyone to believe or obey. We have genuine free will—the ability to choose for ourselves. God’s invitations are real, but so are the consequences of our choices. If someone continues in unbelief and stubbornness after many chances, God may withdraw His Spirit, allowing them to follow their chosen path. This isn’t out of anger, but out of respect for our freedom.
Flesh and Spirit: What Changed After the Fall?
When humanity first disobeyed, something shifted. We’re made up of both flesh (our bodies and desires) and spirit (our capacity to connect with God). Before the fall, our spirit was dominant, guiding our actions and keeping us close to God. After the fall, the flesh started calling the shots—our physical urges, selfishness, and the “me first” attitude became stronger. This shift is often described as having a “carnal mind,” meaning our thinking is ruled by our earthly desires rather than spiritual ones.
The 120 Years: God’s Patience Before the Flood
In the days leading up to the flood, God declared that “his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.” This wasn’t about how long people would live, but about the time God would continue giving humanity a chance to turn back to Him. For 120 years, God’s Spirit kept striving with people, warning them through Noah and giving them opportunities to repent. It’s a powerful reminder of God’s patience and mercy—but also that there’s a limit.
Noah as a Witness: A Voice in the Wilderness
Noah wasn’t just building an ark; he was building a witness. For those 120 years, Noah’s life, words, and actions were a constant reminder of God’s call to repentance. He showed what it looked like to walk with God in a world that had turned away. Sadly, most people ignored Noah’s warnings, choosing the spirit of disobedience over the Spirit of God.
Conclusion: Responding to God’s Spirit
The story of God’s Spirit striving with humanity is both encouraging and solemn. It shows us how deeply God cares, how much He’s willing to forgive, and how patient He is with us. But it also reminds us that our response matters. We have the freedom to choose which spirit guides us—the Spirit of God, leading to life and peace, or the spirit of disobedience, leading to separation and struggle. The choice is ours, but the invitation is clear: God’s Spirit is still striving, still offering mercy, and still calling us to turn back before time runs out.
Minister A Francine Green I May 2026