Holy Through Jesus

Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

The word "holy" stands out to me in this verse. Paul writes with such authority here and calls it out. Once we are living in Christ, we are holy through Him. Therefore these characteristics we are called to have also come through Him. I find it interesting that three of these five are part of the fruit of the Spirit. That should be our next clue that in order to be clothed with these we must first be "clothed" in the Spirit. This is a constant struggle for me. I find myself trying to control my emotions about a situation in order to remain patient. Or I try to control my thoughts and words in a different situation in order to show kindness. I believe God is continually asking me to surrender these things over to Him. When I do, I don't even think about trying to control anything. What happens is that my response just is patient and kind. It is so hard for me leave control in His hands. My prayer is that I will surrender through Jesus, just as I live in Him, and maybe then I will not take it back.

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Mercy and Compassion

Jude 22-23 Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear--hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. This is something I have struggles with, loving those who frustrate me. How can we be merciful to those who are "corrupt" without being judgmental? It is definitely not our place to judge one another, it is our place to love one another. Sometimes loving the people who are rude or cruel is the hardest part of being a Christian. My humanity would like to judge people for their behaviors and choices and lash out at them. I believe we are only able to show true mercy and compassion for others when we accept these for ourselves from Jesus and then He lives them through us. Allowing God to change our hearts in order that Jesus' mercy and compassion shine through is a journey. It's not always easy. On those difficult days, I remain quiet and ask God to love on me, so I...

For Mom

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. This is a post for Mom. She is the embodiment of these words written by Paul. When I think of Mom and who God created her to be, this is it. Each of these phrases describes her perfectly. Mom learned very early on in her walk with Jesus to let Him have His way in her life. Who she is and has been to people is the testament to that. Her patience with a super naughty 2-year old, namely me, rivaled that of Job. I don't ever remember her getting angry. Quite frankly, Mom and the word angry in the same sentence is laughable. She never bragged or boasted about us (even though we know she's proud of us) because that wouldn't be showing love to her listener. Mom was never rude, she was always serving others, and she was never jud...

Do Not Give Up

Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. This is the verse I have needed at the start of this school year. I have been literally tired from my job. I do not like that when people ask me how I'm doing or how my job is going, my response is I love it, but it's tiring. This has been a journey these three years. I have learned so many job related things, but more importantly, God has changed my heart and taught me some Spirit related nuggets as well. This verse is one of them. Sometimes we grow weary as we fight the battle. This verse reminds us that there is a harvest coming if we will only 'keep on keepin' on'. I have prayed many times for God's strength to come to me and carry me through. This has been a tiresome battle, but there are so many good things that I have already reaped. This verse is my reminder to hang in there. God is on the mov...

Abbie Coffey

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