Not New, Hopefully Used

This is a repeat post - on purpose. The older I get, the more I forget things - and sometimes very important things! I don't do it on purpose, it just happens. But now and then, I find something that is a great reminder because maybe I'd forgotten it in the middle of the circumstance. Today's Promise is just that - Not a new one, but hopefully one that is used in our daily walk. In case we've lost sight... 

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A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.

2nd Timothy 2:24-26 NLT

Did you ever notice in Scripture how the apostles addressed and defined themselves?
Paul, a servant of the Lord;
Peter, a slave to Christ;
His servant John;
James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
All in submission - all in service to God and Christ Jesus.

What is it servants do? Whatever the Master instructs them to do. Not IF they feel like it. Not WHEN they feel like it. Not only if the other servants do or don't do it. Not only when someone's looking...

A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.

He had to include that one, right? The 'be patient with difficult people' phrase? I noticed there's not a qualifying statement attached to that sentence, either; such as, except for Mondays or be patient with difficult people once or twice, but smack 'em the 3rd time...

Can it really be that big of a deal? Is it that important for us to be patient with difficult people? The Word says, Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap.

Think about that - their eternity could be determined by whether or not WE choose to be kind and patient to them. It's time for a change. Let it begin with me.

Prayer:

Father,
           Change MY heart so that I can be kind and not quarrelsome. Patient and not peeved. Let my life reflect Your love. May I never again get down to that last nerve. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen