Whenever we see the characteristics of God, we sometimes like to compare those to how we see our own behaviors. AND, most often, we see that we have LOTS of room for improvement. That is not a surprise to God… and still, He loves us just the same. Yet, we can focus on the four areas listed: compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. ‘Compassion’ reaches those who are in desperate need. ‘Gracious’ means that we welcome those who are different from us. ‘Slow to anger’ is just what it says… and yet it is so hard to do. ‘Abounding in love’ is my favorite… it says that we should follow God’s lead…love LOTS and LOTS… no shortage of Love in God’s plans. If we can all focus on these four areas, with the help of God, we can improve and grow in our Christian living. Enjoy growing closer to Him every day.
PLEASE provide this verse to friends and family…anywhere and everywhere. Ask if others would describe themselves as compassionate or gracious. Ask if they view you as one who is ‘slow to anger’ and ‘abounding in love’. If they give you some candid feedback, thank them for it. We are often blinded to our own actions or the perceptions of our actions. It gives you a chance to make adjustments to improve your effectiveness in sharing your faith. Just keep working to grow in closer to Him each day. Please also Take Time For God’s Word© during each day and whenever you see compassion or love being shown by others, then recall this verse as “103:08” and think of ways to improve your actions in these areas. For me, I like the visuals to help me remember key verses. That is why I often encourage you to print these verse cards or to save them on your phone. That way, when you see them again (and again), it will be reinforcing these words into your memory and into you heart. Then, a verse number or a few words will be enough to trigger that memory and you can bring the verse to mind to enjoy again and again. Knowing His Word and being able to share it with others is such a blessing. We want you to have that experience as you share His love with those around you. Be that blessing!
Please offer your prayers for all of those who are dealing with a variety of disasters or extremes in weather. We pray for those in California who are experiencing earthquakes and after-shocks. We pray for those who have had extreme rains (or snows) and those who are experiencing extreme heat waves. We continually see that every area of the country has one or more risk factors. We cannot control everything around us… so we need to trust God for His care and keeping. Be that blessing to those in need. Support organizations who are on-the-ground there. Pass it on to others by modelling compassion, graciousness, being slow to anger, and ALWAYS be abounding in love! Be His love to others!
