Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
E P H E S I A N S 4:2
The benefits of being humble, gentle and patient are generally understood, but rarely do you hear someone talk about the benefit of bearing with another person. We can all recall comments made about bearing with others that imply what a hassle or burden such an action generates; but seldom do we consider how precious it is to have people in our lives that will bear with us in love. Thinking back over the past five years since I joined First Place 4 Health, the faces of those who participated in those sessions with me come to mind, warming my heart and reminding me of how God always provides what we need.
While it’s true that learning to make healthy food choices and building exercise into my life has been important, it is the people and the relationships I’ve built over the past several years in First Place 4 Health sessions that have nurtured my soul and given me living examples of what bearing with one another in love looks like in real life. Some people have come in for a session and drifted off. Others have come and stayed for several seasons, committed to making their health—spiritual, mental, emotional and physical—a priority. We have laughed together and cried together. But more importantly, we have prayed together. We have prayed for our families, for our jobs, for guidance; and we have prayed for each other. I’m doubtful that anyone in our group anticipated that we would grieve together, but we have grieved through the loss of a spouse and the death of a son. Over and over we have seen that God is faithful and always provides. And sometimes He uses the arms of those in my group who are willing to “bear with me” to give me a hug and offer comfort and an encouraging word.
Action Item: Developing patience requires careful cultivation and frequent practice. Ask God to help you see people as He sees them and seize opportunities to share with them the love and comfort He has given you.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for my First Place 4 Health group and the encouragement they have shared with me. Bless them for their kindness to me, and help me to follow their example.
Sandy Matthews
Houston, Texas
Taken from the Better Together devotional. To order, visit our online store or call 800.727.5223, x1001