For the past few days I have been pondering the fruit of the Spirit as listed in Paul’s letter to the Colossians: “As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience” 3.12.
I’ve been socialized to show compassion, kindness and patience, and on a superficial level I can pull it off quite successfully. Like all of you, I’m a nice person. So, what I’m working on is not what I show on the outside but what I feel on the inside, where I can easily judge, resent or feel impatient. These negative attitudes just appear; I don’t want them, but there they are. How can I get rid of them? How can I change them from rotten fruit to fresh Fruit? I’m sure the answer is prayer. It always is. Prayer for the Holy Spirit to fill me with a compassionate, kind and patient heart..
I don’t mean to avoid meekness and humility, both huge challenges for me. After all, I’ve been socialized to stick up for myself and show confidence. Obviously I need prayer for that, too. Lots and lots of prayer. It’s up to me. I have a sense that I have to meet the Holy Spirit half way. Something like that. I’ll pray on it.
I’ve been socialized to show compassion, kindness and patience, and on a superficial level I can pull it off quite successfully. Like all of you, I’m a nice person. So, what I’m working on is not what I show on the outside but what I feel on the inside, where I can easily judge, resent or feel impatient. These negative attitudes just appear; I don’t want them, but there they are. How can I get rid of them? How can I change them from rotten fruit to fresh Fruit? I’m sure the answer is prayer. It always is. Prayer for the Holy Spirit to fill me with a compassionate, kind and patient heart..
I don’t mean to avoid meekness and humility, both huge challenges for me. After all, I’ve been socialized to stick up for myself and show confidence. Obviously I need prayer for that, too. Lots and lots of prayer. It’s up to me. I have a sense that I have to meet the Holy Spirit half way. Something like that. I’ll pray on it.
RSS Feed