Dear Ones,
Hope you are having a wonderful weekend. PTL Kurt came through his surgery well. Today I am going to clean and bake and catch up. We had a fun Birthday celebration here yesterday.
Devotions from Judy’s heart edited
Have you ever observed someone showing great patience in dealing with someone who seems almost impossible? We are in awe as we recognize we could not go that far in showing deference and love, except that the Lord would pour His love into us, for our own capacity to love is trailing far behind! Pride often shows itself in impatience for we want people to respond in a certain way or meet our expectations. We may also be selective with whom we are patient, but the bottom line is we need to be patient with all because we humbly submit to God’s will.

It is important for each of us to detach from our own self-centered demands and expectations if we are to grow in humility and patience. It is perhaps hardest to show patience when we are criticized by persons we think highly of, but it can be an opportunity to grow in love and patience. The bottom line is we have to detach from our own impatient reactions to all people and let go of our expectations and judgments, for it all goes back to pride.

The key to responding to others with patient love is a willingness to suffer with them. That also helps release the power of love into their lives. When our will is in alignment to God’s will, we will be better able to bear the pain and testing of others, for we are dead to self and want what God desires. Catherine of Siena said, “Your humility is tested by the proud, your faith by the unfaithful, your hope by the person who has no hope.” We all need the power of God’s love to respond in patience and love to others. Let us trust God in the people and circumstances He sends into our lives to teach us to be more like Him.

Challenge for today: Make Paul’s words your prayer from Eph. 4:1-2, “Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.”
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy