Responding to aggravation, threat, insult, irritation, and difficulty requires patience - great patience. Responding hastily out of anger is foolish. A hasty, unfiltered response seldom produces our desired long-term effect. This quick-tempered kind of response nearly always compounds the problems that need to be addressed. Patiently dealing with frustrating and painful situations shows our understanding and is nearly always more fruitful in the long run. Plus, the patient and wise approach can prevent the unnecessary loss of friendships, integrity, and respect.
Video Commentary...
We've included Phil's ToGather video from four years ago as an added blessing to our verse today:
Father, I ask for patience and self-control. I know these virtues are part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit's presence in my life. I am inviting the Holy Spirit to have more impact on my heart as I look to how Jesus handled difficult situations in his life and ministry. Please give me the understanding and wisdom to keep my mouth shut until I have had an opportunity to pray and think about the issues and people involved, and only answer then. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
"[Stephen moved from reviewing Jewish history in response to the accusation against him to challenging his accusers by saying,] "You stubborn people!....."
"Dear Beloved,
What's with all those somber faces among those who claim to follow Me? Yes, seriousness is demanded at certain times. Yes, My call for...."
"God's people need lifting up. They are very heavy by nature. They have no wings, or, if they have, they are like the dove of old which lay among the....."
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