The apostle Paul, writing to the church in Corinth, is warning the believers not to be deceived by the evil one or to be lead astray from their sincere and pure devotion to Christ. That is a great reminder for us today, but I was intrigued by the way Paul opens verse 1; he says, “I hope you will put up with a little of my foolishness; but you are already doing that.” In other words, ‘Be patient with me.”
My first 2 weeks at Springbrook have been exciting, as I start to get my arms around what God has been doing and position us for what he would have. My prayer time has been focused on building relationships, and being patient. As God brings about some necessary changes with structure and leadership, let us be patient with one another.
Rick Warren, in one of his devotions on patience indentifies 4 things we need to remember as we manage change and being patient with one another: they are:
Love each other
The first mistake most people make during change is to focus on what they’ve lost, instead of what has been gained – and that creates fear. The antidote to fear is love: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear ….” (1 John 4:18 NKJ)
Listen to each other
During transition, we must be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry ….” (James 1:19 NIV) If we get the first two right (quick listening, slow speaking), then the third (slow anger) will become automatic. It reflects the concept of “seeking to understand” before trying “to be understood.”
Level with each other
We can’t get close to each other until we deal honestly with our fundamental differences. “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15 NIV)
Liberate each other
Finally, we need to show each other grace – “cut each other some slack” – during transition. Liberating each other means letting go and treating someone else the same way Jesus treats you. “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:5-6 NIV)
“God, grant me patience.”
richardwollard 