Prophet’s Reading Plan: Isaiah 36-38
And the fruit of the Spirit is… patience…
Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV) I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge
you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with
patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to
maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
The
fruit of patience allows us to bear with others and make allowances for their
faults. We cannot impose upon others what we demand of ourselves. We cannot
force others to live up to the standard that God has for us.
As
we interact with people through work and ministry and sports and school we will
find that we naturally gravitate to some over others. We may even find
ourselves avoiding certain people or getting easily frustrated with others. And
our own personality plays a role in how our feelings towards others are portrayed.
But
the Bible tells us to love our neighbour
as we love ourselves and here in Ephesians Paul says to have patience with others. Each person is at
his or her own place in life and in relationship with God. Who are we to decide
where they should be at? If we can live with the fruit of patience in our
lives, we will maintain the unity of the body that Jesus is so passionate
about.
People
are like paintings, full of different colours and strokes and styles; no two
are alike and each tells its own story. No one would want to go to an art
gallery only to see the same painting on every single wall. Our personalities
and preferences make up who we are; without these we would be a rather boring
bunch of robotic individuals. Let us seek to see people in this way – as
beautiful representations of the craftsmanship of our Maker. Let us overlook
the things that mar the exact image of God. Jesus thought that person was worth
dying for and that should be enough incentive for us to love them too.
PRAYER AND
MEDITATION
1. Who are the “annoying personalities” that come to mind
when you think of the people you struggle to bear? Spend some time focusing on
each person, asking God to reveal their beauty. Ask Him to impress His love for
them upon your heart.
2. How can you exercise patience with other
people’s flaws today?
