God’s Word never changes. As we study the Word we find ourselves filled with hope, for our hope is in Him. We become less stressed and start to grow in understanding and knowledge. How blessed we are!

When it comes to our relationships both in our home and interacting with others we can so often find ourselves getting impatient, intolerant, judgemental and even angry – the result we can often say or do things that hurt others.

Let’s look together at 1 Cor: 13 4 – 7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast; it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres

My goodness, if you are anything like me I fall far short of this kind of love! It’s frankly overwhelming. However I have found that as I seek to be more like Jesus (for He is the author and finisher of my faith), and with the help of the Holy Spirit, I am becoming more consciously aware of my attitude and behaviour.

Let ‘start with LOVE IS PATIENT.

I find this so difficult! To be continuously patient feels like I need to be a saint!! Love Renewed builds on the first building block CHANGE STARTS WITH ME. How true this is. Let’s look a little deeper at the “me”. Another term would be ego – yes that part of me that is constantly saying things like “it’s not fair” I’m the one who always has to do this, or what about me? I work hard, come home feed everyone, does the housework etc. (My goodness the list is endless) When I listen to my ego it usually leaves me feeling resentful, unappreciated, and angry and can cause me to lash out! The result – it affects my ability to walk in love. Now this does not mean that my feelings are not legitimate but reaction does not build understanding and open dialogue. What it does do is affect my ability to love. There are many scriptures that speak of dying to self even Jesus said we need to take up our cross daily and follow Him.

Gal:5 24 – 25. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to the cross and crucified them there.
Eph: 4 22 – 24 You were taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self
Gal: 2 30 – 21. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live but Christ LIVES IN ME.

Here is the key – Christ LIVES in me. The Holy Spirit dwells in me, He is my helper, As I find myself listening to my ego I ask the Holy Spirit to fill me with patience and to help me to see my life as hid with Christ in God.

I have learned to apologise quickly for being impatient. I don’t try to justify why, simply apologise. Think about it when someone apologises for their behaviour we find it easy to forgive and move on.

As my relationships develop it becomes much easier to discuss how I feel and what my needs are in a loving and kind way.

2 Cor: 3 18 says this …. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever increasing glory which comes from the Lord

As I become more consciously aware of my thoughts I find myself being more patient and loving to those who rub me up the wrong way. I am happy to be me, not perfect but a work in progress; and yes my family and all my relationships benefit. I encourage you to embrace your journey in God, for the Holy Spirit is working in your life even in situations that may seem hopeless at the moment. How blessed we are! Next time we will look at love is kind.

Till then, be blessed.