Apart from Jesus, the character in Scripture who for me most exemplifies these virtues , is Joseph. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, wrongly accused and languishing in jail, he at every step wins the favour of those who have influence over him. Then at the end when the tables are turned, and he could easily have taken revenge on his brothers, he tells them “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good,” and he forgives them (Genesis 37- 50).
I suspect that most of us would be more than happy to receive the love, joy and peace that the Spirit produces. But in order for us to receive patience, to become long-suffering, that part of us that wants to get even needs to die (Galatians 5:24). And part of the change of mind that needs to come with repentance, is to start to see the beauty of this aspect of the fruit of the Spirit. In particular while the world says “Don’t get mad, get even,” a follower of Jesus needs to say “Father forgive them” (Luke 23:34), even when we know jolly well that they know what they are doing!
Father, Your word tells us, that while we were still sinners, shaking our fist in your face and defying You in every way, You died for us (Romans 5:8). And as they drove cruel spikes through Your hands and Your feet Lord Jesus, You forgave them. We need Your help this morning Lord, I do, to come to the place where we are offence-proof. And in this way more and more, we will reflects the beauty of the Lord as the fruit of Your Spirit grows in us. Thank You Lord that You are more than willing to give us this, as we surrender to You Lord, in Jesus Name Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment