Not Easily Provoked

 

I’m Duane Matz and welcome to Today’s Living Word.

 

The greatest proof of the presence of the Holy Spirit in an individual or a congregation is the expression of agape love. But what is love? Today we’ll continue to look at Holy Spirit directed love as found in the love chapter of the Bible….1 Cor 13!

 

We pick it up in verse 5, where we have another example of what agape is not! 1Co 13:5 agape love  is not easily provoked.

 

In other words, strong feelings of irritation or annoyance are not easily stirred up. Agape love does not dwell on pet peeves. I think a key word here is “easily,” Agape love does not let minor annoyances grow into major distractions. If not held in check the minor annoyance turns into not only a dislike for the annoyance but a dislike for the annoyer. And that is not  fitting, (Behind every set of eyes is a soul that matters to God)

 

A reading from Jesus Calling, the devotional written by the late Sarah Young is quite fitting here, She writes, “When little things don’t go as you hoped, look to Me (Jesus) lightheartedly and say, Oh well.” This simple discipline can protect you from being burdened with an accumulation of petty cares and frustrations.”

 

And I might add, it will keep you from falling for the trap being set by the devil to distract you from the main thing, walking with Jesus!

 

You will likely run into a pet peeve or two today, especially during rush hour! Oh well, say a prayer for the annoyer and the annoyance will fade away.

I’m Duane Matz and that’s Today’s Living Word