Anger Vice

 

Coming off our series of the Fruits of the Spirit and how we can expand the positive behaviors in our lives, I thought it would be appropriate for us to also explore the vices we should remove from our lives.  For this we will be exploring Colossian 3:8. The first vice to explore will be anger.

Have you experienced anger, deep-rooted anger?  The kind that quickly builds to a level of resentment to a person or a situation.  Unfortunately, I have.  It has reared its ugly head on numerous occasions.  It could be when people have hurt me or disappointed me and my heart cannot believe this person responded (or did not respond) in the manner I anticipated.  Anger is mostly seen as an ‘internal’ attitude that hangs on. 

I have felt this in my life, and it changed the way I was responding to all people around me and my ability to find happiness and joy.  I would not let it go, and the anger built up inside in such a manner I had difficulty sleeping.  I often said to myself, “Let it go!”  My mind knew that it was the right thing to do, but my heart felt different.  The resentment was building, and I could feel it! 

My friends, the only way I moved on from this anger was to go to Jesus.  As Paul shared with the Colossians, we need to rid ourselves of these vices – starting with anger.  I was not able to do this on my own.  In walks prayer!  I prayed – and prayed and prayed.  Over time, I felt the burden of the anger I was carrying lifting.  I felt Jesus walking into my heart and healing it.  The Holy Spirit replaced my anger with peace.  Yes, when I think of the situation, I can feel my blood begin to boil a bit – yet I also can replace the anger with the sense of peace knowing that it is out of my control and in Jesus’ hands.

Our goal should be not getting that angry in the first place.  Easier said than done!  Coming to these occasions with a praying heart of calmness and control versus anger and resentment brings us closer to the person Jesus wants us to be.  How do we do that?  I find that when a situation arises where I begin to feel anger, I either step away or slow down and say a prayer.  Something like, “Jesus, I need you right now.  Help me to replace the anger I am feeling with a sense of calm.  Show me a way to respond as you would Jesus, with patience and control.” 

The Book of Proverbs offers many opportunities for us to put words on our hearts for anger situations.  One of my favorites is: 

"Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly."  Proverbs 14:29

Friends, let us pursue a sense of patience in troubling scenarios.  May our responses mirror those of Jesus.  Have Simple Faith He will always be there for us!

Video that complements this post:  Anger Vice

Jesus, we need you.  Stand with us as we enter situations where anger may take over.  May we respond with a sense of patience and calm.  In your name we pray, Amen!

Fruit of Self-Control

 

Our Fruits of the Spirit journey is coming to an end with self-control.  This ‘fruit’ has always been close to my heart.  Perhaps it is due to the fact that I can’t get away from this being about me, with self in the actual word!  Self-control comes into many facets and phases in one’s life.  I typically associate myself with a healthy eating program and self-control.  Often, I set my sights on ensuring I eat properly, especially as I age.  I find that my desire to have ice cream every day and sticking to my healthy eating program is definitely about self-control.  There are days when I am more successful than others.

Yet, self-control falls into many other aspects of my life, and I’m assuming yours as well. 

·         Words – do I have control over the words that come out of my mouth?  Are they words that are uplifting for those around me and not judgmental?  “The tongue has the power of life and death.”  Proverbs 18:21

·         Actions – are my actions aligned with what Jesus has planned for me?  Am I acting and reacting in away that is pleasing to Jesus?  “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”  Colossians 3:17

·         Thoughts – what are you thinking?  Is what you are thinking about true to God?  “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right…think about such things.”  Philippians 4:8

·         Temptation – what are you tempted by?  There is much in this world that tempts us every day.  Are we quick to anger?  Does the gossip pool include you?  Are there other ways that you are tempted that do not align with God’s plan for your life?  “…God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure.”  1 Corinthians 10:13

Friends, the beauty of the Fruits of the Spirit is that the Holy Spirit is with us for each and every one listed.  He is there to help sustain us and our efforts to live our best lives in Jesus.  Our job is to remember this and to rely on Him and the power that He has inside of us to live with self-control. 

We have discussed much on all the Fruits of the Spirit.  In doing so, one may think, “Great, how do I live a life filled with all these good things?”  It comes from a place of humility.  It comes from fully understanding that we are sinners and we cannot do this on our own.  Praying for the Holy Spirit to show up in our lives, to guide us on the paths that Jesus has for us, and doing so with all of the Fruits of the Spirit by our side will greatly assist our goal of living the life for Jesus.  What we need to have is Simple Faith!!

Video that complements this post:  Fruit of Self-Control

I’d like to thank Mary for suggesting this series.  I hope all have found it beneficial.  It certainly opened my eyes!

Holy Spirit, please give me the fruit of self-control throughout my day.  May I be reminded you are in me, guiding me, and helping to hold me accountable.  Amen!

Fruit of Gentleness

 

Ahhh, to be gentle and receive gentleness.   I know there are many times over the years I wished I were treated with more gentleness and, quite frankly, even more times that I wished I had shown gentleness.  As a Fruit of the Spirit, gentleness can be explored in a variety of aspects, all of them intertwined to offer a sense of compassion, humility, and calmness.  To provide gentleness in a situation is a behavior that one needs to be cognizant of and to practice.

The greatest factor impacting gentleness is an ability to respond to a situation without pride.  This does not mean that we should not share our opinion or belief, but it does mean doing so in a manner that does not demean or belittle the person with whom we are communicating.  We need to leave the harsh words at the door and replace them with words of grace and love.  We need to suppress the facial expressions of anger and replace them with expressions of worth and value.  There are a variety of scenarios where gentleness can be seen.

Response to mistakes: How do you respond when someone makes mistakes?  Do you ‘come at them’ with wild eyes and harsh words?  When we approach people that way, we often find ourselves regretting our behavior.  This response can ruin relationships quickly.  When we respond with gentleness, and the understanding that people make mistakes and are not perfect, we come to the situation with a sense of humility.  We have made our fair share of mistakes as well. Leave your pride and move forward with gentleness – in words and behavior.

Sharing of beliefs:  Here is a news flash – not everyone is going to have the same opinions and beliefs as you do!  We see that play out every day in the media.  Disagreements over beliefs that not only end in harsh words but violence.  God wants us to show people the path to heaven, but to do so with a sense of gentleness.  Peter says the following when Christians are called to speak the truth of Jesus, “… Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect…”         1 Peter 3:15. Preaching God’s word is effective when we live by the gentleness Fruit of the Spirit.

There are many more opportunities for us to live out gentleness in our lives.  Our body language alone can portray a sense of gentleness – responding to people with a smile, kind eyes, and wearing your love for humanity on your sleeve.  Our words can be the greatest expressions of gentleness – leaving unkind and bitter words behind and replacing them with words of uplifting and grace.  Gentleness does not mean we have to be meek, but it does mean that we can show calmness and compassion, regardless of the situation.  If this is a ‘fruit’ that you need to work on, take a few moments before responding to people.  This is about these verses, and know that the Holy Spirit is in you, working on gentleness.  Have Simple Faith!

Video that complements this post:  Fruit of Gentleness

Holy Spirit, thank you for your help with my gentleness.  May I respond to those around me with a gentle approach, letting them know unconditionally that you are working in me and through me for all goodness.  Amen!