In today’s background photo sparks are flying. A few sparks can’t hurt much … can they??
Sometimes when our fuse is lit, we instinctively react by popping off a few "sparks"! We’re not blowing a flame of anger all over people. We’re not spewing poisonous smoke all over people. It’s just a few sparks … a few snappy words, a short temper, a cold shoulder. It can’t hurt that much … can it?? Yes! Yes it can! “The tongue has the power of life and death.” (Proverbs 18:21) “Reckless words pierce like a sword.” (Proverbs 12:18a) Reckless words absolutely can do much damage! We need the Holy Spirit!! The Holy Spirit’s power will quench those "sparks"! The Holy Spirit will give us wisdom to speak words of life. The Holy Spirit will give us humility to respond with LOVE and PATIENCE.
- “Be completely humble and gentle; be PATIENT, bearing with one another in LOVE.” -Ephesians 4:2
- ”A person’s wisdom yields PATIENCE; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” -Proverbs 19:11
- “A person of understanding holds their tongue.” -Proverbs 11:12a
The Sword of the Spirit (which is the Word of God) will produce the Fruit of the Spirit PATIENCE.
