I want to be faster. I hope and pray every day that I will become faster.
I don’t have much motivation besides just wanting to be faster.
Eventually, I start getting angry and I don’t make much progress.
I want to be more patient. I hope and pray every day that I will be
more patient. I don’t have much motivation besides just wanting to be
more patient. Eventually, I start getting angry and I don’t make much
progress.
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How often do you wish you were more loving, joyful, peaceful, patient,
kind, good, faithful, or self-controlled (See Galatians 5:22-23)? Have
you ever found yourself praying to have more of any of these
characteristics?
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These are called fruit of the Spirit for a reason. Fruit is a product of a
tree. When one wants to grow fruit on a tree, it cannot be done by
going out and wishing there was fruit on the tree. Even if you went out
and stared at the branches where the fruit should grow, it would never
sprout life. You have to attend to the tree!
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In this case, our tree is our relationship with Jesus Christ. We cannot
be focused on the fruit, but we must be attending to our relationship;
as a result, fruit will be produced without a conscious effort! You have
to abide in Christ, which means to make your home in him. You have
to find your life, your comfort, and your peace in Christ alone.
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God, I want to abide in you. Help me to carve out my love, security, and comfort in
you and you alone. I want to be more patient and more loving, but I realize that the
only way to pursue these things is to pursue you. Offer me guidance and direction as
I read your Word and learn what it means to surrender all to you. I praise you in
advance for the mighty work that you are going to do in my heart as I am
transformed by your love.