In my walk with God, I have discovered that God will cultivate the fruit of the Spirit that is lacking in me. If I am lacking in the area of patience, God will provide me with opportunities to develop patience. If I am giving little evidence of the fruit of the Spirit known as joy, God will test my level of joy through trying circumstances to cultivate that particular fruit of the Spirit.
God is love. God’s passion for the world is that all may know His love through a personal love relationship with Jesus. We are to make God’s love known to the world. When you fail to demonstrate God’s love to others, He will cultivate that fruit of the Spirit by creating environments that give opportunity for you to show His love. Often, it comes by way of difficult people that God allows to come into your path. How will you respond to the opportunity?
- “‘You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?'” Matt 5:43-46 (NIV)
- “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” 1 Peter 2:23 (NIV)
Are you willing to do more than love your neighbor? Are you willing to love your enemies and to pray for those who persecute you? Jesus is not asking you to do more than He did. In the darkest moments of His trial and crucifixion, Jesus simply entrusted Himself to the Father. It doesn’t matter how dark your circumstances become, you can entrust your life to our Heavenly Father. God can do more than you ever imagined! Your Heavenly Father loves you more than you know!
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Executive Pastor