“Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2 NIV
On December 19, I came across this verse and determined in my heart that this verse was going to guide me through the holidays. I even wrote it on our chalkboard that hangs in the kitchen. I have decided that it will be the verse that carries me throughout 2016. This year I focused my attention on Romans 8, you may remember me wanting to memorize it as one of my yearly goals. I did not memorize it word for word, but I can tell you what just about every verse says. I meditated on that chapter almost every day of this year.
This year I will look to “be completely humble and gentle.” I’m not sure I’m either one of those things. I will also strive to “be patient.” Having arthritis has made me slow down and pause and wait. When I come home from a long day, I have to sit down for at least 15 minutes and rest my ankles. I have to be patient as I wait to get back up and get to whatever it is I need to do. I am learning how to be patient. And finally, “bearing with one another in love,” will take center stage. Like Paul says in 1 Corinthinas 13:2 if I “do not have love, I am nothing.” When I see the phrase “bearing with one another” I think of carrying a burden with someone. I want to come along side the people the Lord has placed in my path and walk life with them, loving them all the way.
I challenge you, friend, to join me in making this verse your 2016 verse or to choose a verse that will guide you through this next year. Leave your verse in the comments below. I would love to see what you will be mediating on this next year!
