I want to be made whole...

James [1:2-4]

Romans [5:3,4]

In the last week or so I have been made aware of shortcomings in an area of my life. Someone who loves God and becuase of that love introduced me to a throne in my flesh. So...I asked God to reveal the truth of these insights. I said to him, "I don't want to be right or make a point. I want to be changed, transformed. I want the truths that will grow my spirirt." I asked, "Where do I need to be made whole?". As always it is only in humility that one can learn any lesson. Therefore, I was sent on an inward journey. I would have to dig deeper, to shine more of his light in me. God sent me this light in the form of a book called Love as a way of Life. In it the author talks about the seven characteristics of love. The first lesson was on the power of kindness. The second lesson comes in the form of a tough concept. This lesson is truly antithetical to everything that we are taught in western culture. That lesson is patience, to longsuffer, to wait on God. He says and I quote," It is patience, steady love that will change our friendships, marriages, and work relationships." So ,"What is patience?", I asked God. His response:

1. Patience requires us to see others as we want to be seen ourselves.
2. Patience means loving a person even when they make choices with which we disagree.
3. Patience means to influence, not control.
4. Patience means giving one room to be themselves (Social Intelligence: By Daniel Goleman)
5. Patience means caring enough to listen with empathy and a desire to understand what is going on inside another person.
It says, "I care enough about you that no matter what you say or how you say it, I will listen instead of walking out on you."
6. It acknowledges a person feelings and makes them feel heard.
7. Patience says,"I really want to understand you and what it is like to be you."
(From Book by Gary Chapman Christian Counselor:Love as a way of Life)

None of us is perfect we all have things we deal with and are dealing with in life. Gods first lessons to me, kindness and patience. As I learn more I will give more.....