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Living in the Spirit … Produces Gentleness

In the Word

Let your gentleness be evident to all (Philippians 4:5a).

Of the Word

… the fruit of the Spirit is … gentleness … (Galatians 5:22–23a).

Our perfect model of gentleness is Jesus. He has shown us how to deal with one another in a caring, considerate, and sympathetic manner. Whether He was feeding the hungry (Mark 6:30–44), treating others with respect as He did the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:1–26), or grieving with friends over the death of a loved one (John 11:17–37), Jesus responded with loving concern and in a gentle manner.

If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care — then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand (Philippians 2:1–4 MSG).

Walking with my Lord

Lord, forgive the times I have been too busy or didn’t care enough to comfort others. Send me a spirit of gentleness so that Christ may be reflected in all that I do. I ask in His name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in the Spirit. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 28/30 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture passages with the notation of (MSG) were taken from THE MESSAGE, Copyright ©1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.

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Aging: Growing Older Together

In the Word

“Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?” (Job 12:12).

Of the Word

In his hit song, “Forever and Ever, Amen,” Randy Travis shares how he feels about his wife’s hair turning gray, “Well, honey, I don’t care, I ain’t in love with your hair, and if it all fell out, I’d love you anyway.” In a culture that values youth and fights hard to cover or reverse any signs of aging, this kind of love is exceptional!

No doubt your spouse’s physical characteristics played a role in your initial attraction, but time will eventually change these features. Fortunately as we mature, so does our perspective on life and our perspective on our spouse. In the gray hair and “smile lines” we see not only the personality and character of the person whom we love, but also the joys and sorrows that have been experienced in a life lived by God’s grace. Our understanding of our spouse deepens and the physical changes — instead of being regretted — are welcomed. Growing old together is a gift of God to be cherished in each other.

Walking with my Lord

Unchanging God, if it is Your will that we grow old together on this earth, give us grace and understanding through all the changes aging will bring. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 28/28 ©2008 Lutheran Women's Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

“Forever and Ever, Amen,” words and music by Don Schlitz and Paul Overstreet. ©1987 Screen Gems- EMI Music Inc., Scarlet Moon Music, Don Schlitz Music and Universal – MCA Music Publishing, A Division of Universal Studios, Inc. All rights reserved.

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In Sickness and in Health: Working Through Health Issues

In the Word

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love (Ephesians 4:2).

Of the Word

Why do we call it a funny bone when there’s nothing funny about hitting it? Nothing is funny about a serious health problem, either. A serious illness puts pressure on both spouses. Time, effort, and attention are needed to cope with the illness. Financial stresses may be heavy. Guilt for “causing” the strain may be an added burden. Other problems may include uncertainty about the future, worries about intimacy, and feelings of resentment and entrapment. Any combination can challenge even the strongest marriage.

Communicating feelings, sharing words of appreciation, and restating one’s commitment are all ways of helping to alleviate the pressure. God walks with us in our illnesses, and spouses who do the same are acting out the very essence of God.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Healer, have mercy on us as You had mercy on those who needed healing. Give us patience in our time of affliction. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: With this Ring. Authors: Rev. Wes and Deaconess Sonja Baumeister. 27/28 ©2008 Lutheran Women's Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Begin with God … So We Can Love Others

In the Word

May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else … (1 Thessalonians 3:12a).

Of the Word

How can I show God’s love to others?

Unconditional love describes God’s love for all sinners. This love began with Adam and Eve, whose sin spoiled the perfect world God had made for them, and continues through the present day.

In love, God promised us a Savior. He renewed that promise over centuries and fulfilled it by sending His Son. Jesus demonstrated love in word and action, culminating with His death on Calvary and His resurrection three days later.

How can we as mere mortals respond to such love? Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we can demonstrate His love to others. … live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love (Ephesians 4:1b–2). May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else … (1 Thessalonians 3:12a). And when we fail to love, as human beings always will, God accepts our repentance, forgives us, and enables us to begin again.

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, You are the perfect example of love. You have spoken of love and You have demonstrated it through Your Son Jesus. Lord, I do not love You or others as I should, and I beg Your forgiveness. Give me, I pray, a greater measure of Your unconditional love so that I am able to share it with Your people. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 28/28 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Begin with God … So We Can Forgive Others

In the Word

But I [Jesus] tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you …  (Matthew 5:44).

Of the Word

How can I learn to forgive?

What motivates us to forgive others? For some it is guilt, for others it is responsibility. Neither is a good motivator. How much better it is for us to be motivated by God’s love! Yet only God could promise to forgive and forget — and then keep that promise! … I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more (Jeremiah 31:34b). Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13).

But forgiving is sometimes hard. How can we do it on our own? But I [Jesus] tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you… (Matthew 5:44).

It is difficult to pray for people with whom we are angry. But God will provide us the strength to do so, just as He gives us the strength to forgive. If we follow God’s Word by loving and forgiving each other, peace and joy will be our blessings. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord God, thank You for the assurance that You forgive and forget. I am not like You when I hold grudges and remember hurts. Forgive me, I pray, and help me to be more like You. Send Your Spirit to fill me with love and forgiveness so that I may have peace and joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Begin with God. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 27/28 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Living in the Spirit … Leads Me to Faithfulness

In the Word

Let love and faithfulness never leave you … (Proverbs 3:3a).

Of the Word

TRUSTWORTHINESS + RELIABLILTY + LOYALTY = A FAITHFUL PERSON

TRUSTWORTHY.
Can I hardly wait to tell a secret, or can I be trusted with a confidence?

RELIABLE.
Do I make promises and fail to follow through, or do people find that I am reliable?

LOYAL.
Am I always looking for something different or better, or am I loyal?

Because our loving God will be faithful to us through eternity, let us strive to follow His example by: honoring our promises; being faithful to our families; standing up for others; keeping our word; paying our debts; being faithful in our worship and loyal to our Savior Jesus Christ. No words will be sweeter than to one day hear from our Heavenly Father, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23a)!

…. the fruit of the Spirit is … faithfulness … (Galatians 5:22).

Walking with my Lord

Father, through the example of Jesus Christ and the guidance of Your Holy Spirit, help me to become a person others will always trust because they see Jesus in me. In His name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in the Spirit. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 27/30 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Living in the Spirit … Helps Me Serve Others

In the Word

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth (1 John 3:18).

Of the Word

… the fruit of the Spirit is … goodness … (Galatians 5:22).

Goodness is simply showing kindness to others. It is a generous giving of ourselves as well as our possessions. Goodness is the ability to identify with others and their needs and then, whenever possible, help without expecting anything in return.

Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers (Galatians 6:10).

Our daily goal should be to do good things for others. But doing good means putting others first, and we aren’t always willing to do that. God, the perfect example of goodness, sent His Son Jesus to teach us how to love and serve others. Jesus, in His goodness, put every one of us first on Good Friday when He went to the cross. The Holy Spirit works in us, helping us to be Christ-like in spite of our human weaknesses.

Walking with my Lord

Gracious God, You have shown goodness to me in all things. Forgive me for failing to follow Your example. Let the Holy Spirit guide me so that others will see Jesus in me. In His name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in the Spirit. Authors: Marcia Gomulka, Dcs. Betty Knapp, Myrna Lou Meyer. 26/30 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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