Be Patient

Be Patient with those who do not understand the depth of My Love. These are the words the Holy Spirit spoke to me at a silent retreat two years ago. Those words have stayed with me and have been a powerful influence on me when choosing how to respond to others. When I find myself upset with world events, politicians and their decisions, and those around me who are acting in ugly ways, God gently brings these words back to me. How easy it is to forget that "our struggle is not with flesh and blood, but with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirts in the heavens." (Ephesians 6:12) The devil wants nothing more than for humans to be divided in all things. He is the father of all lies and will put a wedge in between all of God's children whenever and wherever he can. It helps me to remember what Joyce Meyer says....hurting people hurt people. It helps me to remember that we don't know what we don't know. It helps me to remember that we know the end of the story and what is waiting for us is pure Love....the Trinity...in Heaven. I truly believe that if we really, really knew, felt, and understood how much God loves each and everyone one of us, our thoughts and actions toward others would be completely different. And, I also believe that if everyone knew this, no one would be able to resist Him. We all have a role in helping to make "His Kingdom Come on Earth as it is in Heaven" by revealing the One, True, Loving God to others through our actions ("Preach the Gospel always, and sometimes use words" - St Francis of Assisi). I pray that we would all find the strength and courage to be patient with those who do not understand the depth of His Love.