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Reflections: Daily Devotions in Disability Ministry

Christian Living, Part 3

July 15, 2010

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

This verse has even more to tell us about living as a Christian.

When we put on humility, that means we do not brag about ourselves. We realize that all that we have, and all that we are, is because of God. We cannot do anything special on our own without God’s help. Meekness goes along with humility.

When we are meek, we do not insist on having things always go our way. We put the needs of others ahead of our own, and we are willing to do for other people instead of expecting others to do for us. It might mean letting someone else go first, even when we know it is really our turn, or letting someone else have the biggest piece of cake, even when it is our favorite flavor. Meekness is often difficult because it involves letting go of our selfish and prideful nature.

Patience is the next quality this verse tells us to wear. Patience is waiting for something without getting upset or angry when it doesn’t come exactly when we want it to. Maybe we are very hungry, and we get angry when dinner isn’t ready yet. If we have patience, we understand that we must wait and not become angry or upset. Instead, maybe we can make the best of the wait by doing something else we enjoy until dinner is ready.

God is always patient with us. When we sin and we ask forgiveness, He does not get angry. Instead He forgives us. Tomorrow, we will talk about forgiving others.

Lord, thank You for being patient with us. Please help us to remember that all goodness comes from You, and that without Your love for us, we are nothing. Forgive us, Lord, for sometimes putting ourselves first. We love you, Lord. Amen.

Judith Anderson, Ministry Consultant – IN
http://bethesdalutherancommunities.org/resources/spiritualResources/pmc.asp

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