QUESTION #4:
Do we get impatient and irritated? Do little things vex and annoy? Or are we sweet, calm and unruffled under all circumstances?

Maybe today’s post isn’t as heavy as unforgiveness or jealousy to you, but we are more likely to have this type of obstacle in our everyday lives. Anger doesn’t necessarily come everyday, but being annoyed can be a repeat offender. This question isn’t meant to put pressure on us to be perfect or to display a false kind of “sweet”, but it is to challenge us to rid ourselves of these qualities. If we find ourselves becoming impatient and flustered, we aren’t operating in joy, love and peace, thus we aren’t yoked with the kingdom of God.

Stephen chimed in this morning with a visual illustration for this question. He described the irritations and annoyances as things bumping into us like something knocking into a cup full of water. Whatever is truly inside that cup is going to come out when it is bumped. When we catch ourselves being agitated and then see the ugliness of our reactions, it’s revealing what is really in us. This happens so that we can see the true state of our heart and we are given the opportunity to have God fill our hearts with a different response. So the next time you’re “bumped” with an annoying situation and your heart overflows with a nasty response, invite the Lord to fill you up with His love to overflow.

APPLICATION:

1.Notice what makes you impatient and make note of these things. Ask yourself what about the situation irritates you.

2.Then ask what you can do differently in the situations that bother you. Sometimes we need to draw clear boundaries in relationships or often we need to ask for forgiveness. (See post on December 1st for walking out prayers of forgiveness to God, self, and others)

3. Pray for perfect love to come into situations. As you make room for love, self-seeking, anxiousness, irritation, and lack of restraint will leave.

SCRIPTURES:

Hebrews 6:15 And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.

Matthew 5:43-44, 46 You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?

Romans 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

1 Corinthians 13:1 Love is patient, Love is kind…