Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)
But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.
2 Corinthians 12:10b (NLT)
For when I am weak, then I am strong.
When pressures mount and uncertainty looms; when things don’t go your way, and you’ve had enough of this COVID isolation, what comes out of you? How do you act, think, and speak to others? A little short with the tongue lately? Need to get away from the people you’re shut-in with? Or maybe you’re home alone and have become a bit cranky because you can’t take it anymore. Have you ever given thought to what emits from you when the issues of life stress your resolve?
Paul, the writer of the text, is challenging us to reconsider our ways of thinking and acting. Our shut-in status has given us a chance to gain an intimate view of ourselves under extreme circumstances and over a prolonged period of time. Now is when we can learn more about what others might already know about us. So, let’s ask the brave questions. When we’re squeezed, do we emit orange juice or lemon juice? In other words, when life is difficult and uncomfortable and uncertain are we still able to act like we know Christ?
2 Corinthians 12:10 tells the story of Paul begging God to remove something that was difficult for him to deal with. We don’t know what that ‘something’ was, but we do know God’s response to Paul’s requests. God had given his grace to help Paul live with his difficulties. In the midst of his anguish, Paul came face-to-face with his need and God’s provision. He had all that he needed because he depended on God for everything. This man was able to control the urge to brag about what he’d accomplished and experienced by God’s hand and made a decision to surrender his weaknesses to his Loving Father. That’s when he came to know his true strength. Christ had given more than he recognized. He could endure his difficulties because of God’s grace.
While we’re isolated from the world, and unable to move about as we please, we’re still held responsible for the way we choose to live and act. Now is the time to ask ourselves, ‘how can I honor God while I’m in this situation?’. This thing we’re going through has the potential for bringing out the best in us. When we consider how the God of the universe has tended to our every need, has extended his grace, and provided new mercies each day (Lamentations 3:22-23), we can pull back on the impulse to be ungrateful, bitter, despondent, or unkind. We can choose to love in the midst of crisis, be joyful when it doesn’t make sense, calmly discuss difficult topics, endure others’ idiosyncrasies, be deliberately kind to family members, choose to be good to those who barely deserve it, consistently demonstrate our faith, have a gentle response to an unfriendly tone, and keep our emotions and words under control.
Nothing beats a sweet slice or bite into a favorite piece of fruit. When we eat these lovely portions, our minds, bodies, and souls become refreshed. That’s the way people should experience us. We should be good to be around and refreshing for the soul, not ‘funny’, contrary or best to avoid. People should be better for having been in our presence- and looking forward to more of us- whether living together, working virtually, or talking by phone. We can choose to be the best that Christ expects even when life has turned a bit sour.
Prayer
Lord, Thank you for reminding us that we’re not off the hook when things don’t go the way we’d prefer. Help us to embrace and demonstrate the traits and outpouring of the Spirit in the midst of this pandemic experience. We want to honor you today and in the days to come…
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
Live well,
Michele