Rx for My Weakness: Part 4

"Put on then as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts,

 kindness and humility, meekness and patience, bearing with one another

 and, if one has a complaint against another, forgive each other;

 as The Lord has forgiven you, so you must also forgive." 

                                                                                        Colossians 3:12-13

So we take of the old self...and then what? Just like we replace our thoughts with the thoughts of God, we replace our old actions with those that imitate Christ. This list of characteristics screams Jesus. Our relationships with one another should be like this.  Are these actions what characterize my life? I am reminded of the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self control. These are the things that should flow out of me. It is not in my nature to show these traits. How then do I know what this looks like?  I look to Christ. I get in the Word and I get to know Him. I ponder, meditate on, pray, and spend time with those who love The Lord. I look into the mirror of scripture to get a glimpse of The Lord, then I reflect His image. I look to the Light, then reflect that light in my own life. I read about and experience His love so that love can then overflow and spill out of me. Then, and only then will the these things be true of me. The will I desire to bear other's burdens and forgive the sins of others. Then the Lord can use me for his purposes.

Wow! I knew forgiveness was important, but honestly for a long time was only concerned about being forgiven. The Lord has been teaching me much about forgiveness. He has shown me how important it is to forgive the people in my life. How can I accept the forgiveness from God, but not extend that forgiveness to others? It is only right and logical that because I have been forgiven much, I would forgive others much. Guess what, it is biblical too! So in a nutshell; if you are a child of God...it is time to act like one. It is time to get to know the heart of God and begin to reflect it to the world. There are no excuses for bitterness, envy, strife, complaining, backbiting, irritability, and pride. I am just as convicted as any. Lord, help me to apply these truths to my life and to imitate you!