The Bible tells us (in the words of the Apostle Paul) that "...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." Galatians 5:22-23 So in the midst of a perceived injustice or wrong, how do you react? What manner of reaction do you have? Is it a kneejerk reaction or a patient one? Has the Word of God changed how you react? Has it transformed you from the inside out? Or do you still let those around you rob you of your peace and joy?
I have a confession --- I used to be someone who could be perturbed easily. I used to let outside factors influence my state of peace and constant communion with God. I would allow others to steal my Shalom --- my inner peace. Rattled by small things, I would look to vent my frustrations in text messages to my brother and to my closest friends, as well as on social media. I am glad to say that I have long since stopped venting on social media, only expressing my deepest thoughts in-person, over phone calls and using text messages to those closest to me. I am still not perfect. I still occasionally vent and grumble and complain (although never in a public forum) when I should be grateful. I still occasionally let others steal my Shalom. The Holy Spirit is still working on me to mold me and shape me more into the likeness of Christ. As the Apostle Paul wrote to the Church in Philippi, "To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all, making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace..." Philippians 1:1-7
We are all transformed by the Word of God, some more than others, some quicker than others, but beloved, be sure that we will all be transformed by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit who keeps working on us until the day that we shed this mortal body to be with Jesus in Heaven. Indeed we need to always keep living in view of eternity (Always Live In View of Eternity)
I have a confession --- I used to be someone who could be perturbed easily. I used to let outside factors influence my state of peace and constant communion with God. I would allow others to steal my Shalom --- my inner peace. Rattled by small things, I would look to vent my frustrations in text messages to my brother and to my closest friends, as well as on social media. I am glad to say that I have long since stopped venting on social media, only expressing my deepest thoughts in-person, over phone calls and using text messages to those closest to me. I am still not perfect. I still occasionally vent and grumble and complain (although never in a public forum) when I should be grateful. I still occasionally let others steal my Shalom. The Holy Spirit is still working on me to mold me and shape me more into the likeness of Christ. As the Apostle Paul wrote to the Church in Philippi, "To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all, making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace..." Philippians 1:1-7
We are all transformed by the Word of God, some more than others, some quicker than others, but beloved, be sure that we will all be transformed by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit who keeps working on us until the day that we shed this mortal body to be with Jesus in Heaven. Indeed we need to always keep living in view of eternity (Always Live In View of Eternity)
RSS Feed