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.
""As I began to speak," Peter continued, "the Holy Spirit fell on [Cornelius and his household], just as he fell on us at the beginning. Then I thought of the..."
"Then Nicodemus, the leader who had met with Jesus earlier, spoke up [when the leading priests and Pharisees belittled having faith in Jesus]. "Is it....."
"God, the Lord, created the heavens and stretched them out. He created the earth and everything in it. He gives breath to everyone, life to everyone..."
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