With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; — Ephesians 4:2

It seems like effort, sweat, and hard work have become dirty words in western Christianity. The Holy Spirit reaches out with his truth to our age of people who take advantage of God’s grace. He reminds us that relationships on earth, even in Jesus’ Church, are going to take a lot of work, tough love, personal sacrifice, and strict determination. If we read Jesus’ prayer for unity in John 17, how could we not do everything we can to keep his Body united and our relationship with his people loving and patient? Since Jesus’ sweat and blood paid for our salvation, how can we complain when we have to do our best to keep the family of Jesus together?

 

Thought

It seems like effort, sweat, and hard work have become dirty words in western Christianity. The Holy Spirit reaches out with his truth to our age of people who take advantage of God’s grace. He reminds us that relationships on earth, even in Jesus’ Church, are going to take a lot of work, tough love, personal sacrifice, and strict determination. If we read Jesus’ prayer for unity in John 17, how could we not do everything we can to keep his Body united and our relationship with his people loving and patient? Since Jesus’ sweat and blood paid for our salvation, how can we complain when we have to do our best to keep the family of Jesus together?

 

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me for being impatient with other people and not forgiving them when I should. Move your Spirit inside of me to keep my mouth shut, soften my heart, and try harder to help people who need your blessing. Lord, please use me to bring peace to your kingdom. In Jesus’ precious name I pray. Amen.