‘Unused grace is like a fragrance capped in a bottle‘, so I read the other day in one of Charles Spurgeon’s devotions.
Thinking about grace prompted me actually to list in my mind the 9 fruits of the Spirit, such as kindness, patience and self-control. Those examples of God’s grace then reminded me of the qualities Paul exhorts the Colossian Church ‘to put on’ daily, such as compassion and humility.
Then God stopped me cold in my thoughts. When do we act kind? or exercise patience? or control our emotions or show love?
Only in those situations that TRY our patience, with those people who are difficult to love, and when our feelings lure us to vaunt or to fall into self-pity.
Do I know what I’m asking God to do when I pray for Him to grow in me these qualities fitting for a child of God?
Reflections on God's Word 
Mar 03, 2016 @ 20:50:47
Indeed! When we ask to grow in patience, God gives us situations that require us to BE patient. And so it goes with all those fruits of the Spirit!
Mar 20, 2016 @ 18:48:40
The other day, we watched the recent movie, “Cinderella.” The messages to her from her loving parents and fairy godmother were, “remember always to have courage and practice kindness.” She endured trials by doing so, and in the end forgave those who wronged her, even though they were unrepentant. Lovely aspirations, and a message every person (child or not) should hear. But without God’s grace, a person’s ability to have courage and kindness through all the trials of life is just a fairy tale. A charming movie, with positive messages, but even more meaningful when I realized that the Holy Spirit’s work in my life is real power, not fantasy, if I will take out the stopper on the bottle and let out God’s grace in my life. Thanks for this message, Maria.
Mar 20, 2016 @ 19:33:38
Ann – when we have that spiritual eye, as you describe the effect of having the HS in your life, we see different dimensions. Makes viewing a film that much richer. I love how you say that the fairy tale’s message IS truly just a fantasy. But with Jesus, it can be a true fairy tale!