" THE PATIENCE OF GOD "

Okay once again another week has come and gone. This week we are re-visiting " Patience." And if you're anything like me, even though I'm aware that The Father works things out in his timing impatience on my part comes into play. First things First, patience the endurance according to Galatians 5:22-23, one of the nine components of the Fruit Of The Spirit. As a Chronic Pain Sufferer, I'm aware that it invoves endurance in suffering, tolerance of others, etc. I believe that it's noteworthy that we don't mistake God's patience as approval for our sin(s). Now if we're not completely honest with ourselves we will recognize that we must suffer because of our failure to follow God wholeheartedly. God was supremely loving and Patient with Israel, just as he is today. Now I'm of the mind that we must not confuse his Patience with us as approval or indifference to our sin. Beware of demanding your own way because eventually you may get it - along with all its painful consequences. Now, in his thoughtfulness, or maybe I should say his kindness, God holds back his judgment giving us time to repent. It is easy to mistake God's patience for approval of the wrong we are living. Self-evaluation is difficult, and it is even more difficult to expose our conduct to God and let him tell us where we need to change. But as Christians we must pray constantly that God will point out our sins, so that he can heal them. Unfortunately, we are more likely to be amazed at God's Patience with others than humbled at his Patience with us. It's time for us to be real. Until Next Time... Jim,