Bible Reading: 2 Peter 1:3-4
We all seem to lack understanding and patience. Most of us crave to understand God and other people better, thinking that if we could just understand them we might be
more patient with them. This thinking is, in reality, just an excuse for not using the understanding and patience that God has already gifted us with.
2 Peter 1:3 & 4 say, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.”
Because we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, His Holy Spirit lives in us. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are able to understand God and His plan. We are able to understand how other people feel. We are able to act in love and show patience toward others, even when they are irritating. It is up to us to choose to use the gifts of understanding and patience God has given to us.
Using these gifts well takes practice. The next time you think you can’t understand someone and are becoming impatient, try this:
One, pause and breathe.
Two, think about others. Consider their feelings and how God tells us in His word to treat them.
Three, do something – anything – that is positive, good, and acts on the thoughts of love and kindness that you put into your mind in step 2.
Four, pray. Ask God to help you use His gifts of understanding and patience in a way that honors Him.
Let’s all commit to faithfully practicing God’s gifts of understanding and patience so we will become more skilled with them.
“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your gifts of understanding and patience. Help me to practice using them regularly. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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