It's Thursday (is it just me or is this week flying by?) so I'm talking about fruits of the spirit. This month is all about patience. As I've said before, patience is not my strong suit, but I'm working on it.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ~ Galatians 6:9
This week, while thinking about patience and my lack thereof, I couldn't help but consider all the ways I justify my anger as a mother, or others justify it for me. The one that kept popping back up was the excuse "losing your temper is natural".
And in a way it is. Please don't take this post to mean that getting frustrated, upset or downright angry is completely wrong. It's not, even Jesus got mad and overturned a few tables. (Matthew 21). But that was righteous anger. My anger so often...is not. Not at all righteous. It's ugly and selfish and unjustifiable.
And natural.
How often have I told myself, it's okay, everyone loses their temper. It's natural.
Too many times. To me, natural means human nature. We all have it ingrained in us, but it doesn't mean it's right. As Christians we are to reach above our human nature and strive for righteousness. While we can't be perfect, we were called to be in this world but not of it.
To be like Jesus.
So that's it. I hope some of this made sense for you. I feel like I'm rambling, pouring incoherent words onto the screen. If it doesn't make sense to you, at least it makes sense to me in my heart, it was clearly my conviction from the Lord.
But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. ~ 1 Timothy 1:16
while we can't be perfect we are called to be in this world and not of it, to be like Jesus
Great post!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post. Too often I feel justified in feeling something extreme, when really, there is no need for extreme. We are human sinners so we make our selfish choices, but far too often our emotions get others feeling down. I know as a mother, my mood can alter my home in so many ways. I'll remember this post the next time I feel upset, impatient or tired. Anger is a choice. †
ReplyDeleteUmmm...I think your post is wonderful!! I love reading up front, honest, real thoughts from people. Especially homeschooling moms :). Patience is definitely one of our major crosses! I think you are right, that it is natural to become easily frustrated or angry with things during even a 'good' day. I know that there is a way around it, prayer (yes), but application, doers and not just hearers...but, it is soooo hard! We can do it! We will be patient, give soft answers with smiles, and walk with joy throughout this journey. More power to you in Jesus' name :).
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