KINDNESS
These Twelve Days of Christmas Blessings for My Beloved are a repost from last year. Today I cannot simply “repost.”
We are all stunned by the senseless, evil, violence from the events in Connecticut. Yesterday morning I was so agitated and overwhelmed that I chose to send prayers for PEACE, because the Peace of God is what I needed most. I wonder now if my angst was not really about my own little life, but perhaps I was sensing the fear and devastation across the country. We need to pray for peace.
This morning I read a post written by a Denver pastor, Lauren Sanford, asking the question, “WHY?” You can read his post here.
“Conscience, based in primary care and concern for the welfare of others, dies when self-focus leads to lawlessness and lawlessness leads to lovelessness. This opens the door to demonic influence." Lauren Sanford
And From Galatians 5...
“But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard - things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.” (Galatians 5:22-23 The Message)
“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.” (Galatians 5:16 NLT)
"My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God’s Spirit. Then you wont feed the compulsions of selfishness.” (Galatians 5:16 The Message)
Selfishness. We cannot be in relationship and care about others when selfishness is the fruit of our lives? Self focus is a main cause of divorce, and when your eyes are staring at your naval, you will miss the person God has for you. Marriage is not just something we desire because it looks fun. Marriage is vital for the peace and well-being of society!
My hope and prayer is that we will be filled afresh with the Holy Spirit daily, trusting God so completely that the Fruit of the Spirit is evident, and our navel gazing will be eradicated. The spiritual gifts we are sending to our beloveds, are transformational! The powerful presence of God, and the fruit of the Holy Spirit enables all of us to take our eyes off of our own lives, release fear, open our hearts to humanity, and “live freely, animated and motivated by God’s Spirit.” That kind of freedom is irresistibly attractive!
Kindness. The Hebrew word is chrestotes, Strong’s#5544: Goodness in action, sweetness of disposition, gentleness in dealing with others, benevolence, kindness, affability. The word describes the ability to act for the welfare of those taxing your patience. The Holy Spirit removes abrasive qualities from the character of one under His control.
I want that! Kindness begins with me.
On the fifth day of Christmas, we give our True Love ...the gift of Kindness.
Gracious God, you are so kind. This Christmas, fill our spouse with Your Holy Spirit - so full they fall more deeply in love with You, letting go of fear and the cares of the world. As they are filled with Your Spirit, give them an extra measure of Kindness, that they will ~
- Exhibit Goodness in action
- Have sweetness of disposition
- Be gentle when dealing with others
- Live a life of benevolence
- Be friendly, approachable and kind to others
Thank you LORD for Your faithfulness! Thank You for transforming us more each day, by the renewing of our minds through Your powerful Word. Thank You for bringing our beloved closer to us every day. Thank You Holy UPS Man, for Uniting us by the Power of Your Spirit!
Amen!
Expecting to be amazed ~
Barbara
© Barbara Nelson – 2012
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