The next word in my list of the Fruit of the Spirit is KINDNESS…
I was anything but kind tonight. Someone I love and care deeply about did something nice for me but I questioned the motive behind the jesture and lashed out harshly. I recognize now it wasn’t her jesture I was upset about but my own inadequacy and selfish behavior.
When will I learn not to let my circumstances dictate my feelings and especially my behavior? How many times must I circle this mountain of pride Lord? Why does submission to Your way seem so hard sometimes? In my quiet times with You, I feel strengthened and encouraged to live as Christ would. To be kind and compassionate towards others. To give grace and show mercy; to love as You love…and then I step out the door. And BOOM! It’s me again. Where is my patience? Where is my joy? Why am I defensive? Why am I hateful?
Why do I feel like I have to be perfect? I want to represent You well…how can I do that when I give in to such harshness towards someone I love? Lord, help me to see others the way you see them. I know Your love for each of us is immeasurable. Give me a new revelation of how to love like You love. That is my prayer, Lord. In the words of Toby Mac, help me to build others up and not tear them down. Show me the way Lord. Amen.
romans10seventeen 
Obviously, between our posts and our emails, we are on the same page. WHY we slip into the flesh and lash out at others, and succumb to all manner of temptation is an easy one: The closer we draw to the Lord, the more intent evil is to come between us. Keep fighting, Jackie, but know that the harder you fight, the harder evil will work to undo any progress you make. But that is not a bad thing. It means you are in the fight.
Always glad to see you have posted something. 🙂
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Wow! I so relate with this post. My perfectionism often leads me to nitpicking others and lashing out at my family or my husband for doing things differently than me! I love your idea of focusing on one fruit of the spirit at a time!
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Thanks! It’s been very helpful to me and the Lord is so gracious and kind to walk me through each experience as I try to apply what He’s teaching me to my daily life.
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Holy Spirit, show my sister Jackie who she is and that her reactions in life are not who she is. She is Your child, redeemed by the blood of Christ.
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Amen! Thank you!
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