Having and Being

ead 2 Corinthians 7:8-13, Psalm 90

   “And even we Christians, although we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, also groan to be released from pain and suffering.”  Romans 8:23

   Another legacy left us by the fall of Adam and Eve is pain and suffering. It starts with childbirth and continues throughout our lives on this earth. 

     We will have physical pains through illness, disease, and injury; and emotional pain from relational conflicts and problems within families, churches, and neighborhoods. 

     It’s not a question of if, but only when, and we need to constantly give God thanks that he has spared us so much pain and suffering, and has promised his power and his presence to see us through the pain and suffering He allows.

     If no one really chooses or wants to have pain, why do so many choose to be a pain?  Why do so many choose anger, selfishness, jealousy, critical and judgmental spirits, along with self-pity and self-centeredness and become a pain to everyone around them?

     Paul had his thorn in the flesh, and we have our “bees in our bonnets” that make us a pain to live with or even be around.

     We can seldom control the circumstances that cause us pain, but we can always control our actions and disposition.

     By the power of the Holy Spirit living within us, we can bear the fruit of the Spirit, and live with love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. 

     When our hearts are filled with this fruit, we don’t have room to be the “bad apples” that rob others of their joy and us of our witness.

    Father, keep me ever mindful that although I may have to suffer pain, I certainly don’t have to be one. 

 In Jesus' name, Amen