Tolerance Needed? Commitment Required!

Being forced to tolerate undesirable situations is one of the most difficult tasks we’ll have to endure. Joseph consistently exhibited resilience as troubles incessantly plagued his life. Joseph's personality made it possible for him to seek God’s purpose in each situation he had to tolerate. This was his choice.

He refused to give up because he knew nothing could negate God’s purpose for him, as Genesis 39:20 indicates. "While Joseph was in prison, the Lord was with him. God showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden." Once again, hardships could not prevent God’s purpose from being realized. Why not?

Joseph was completely committed to God. He behaved according to his integrity. He was ready to help other people. Listen to Matthew 25:40. "Even as you have been a blessing to the least of these my people, you have been a blessing to me." Can you imagine yourself following Joseph’s example and Jesus’ reassuring words?   

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“When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me, and when I was naked, you gave me clothes to wear. When I was sick, you took care of me, and when I was in jail, you visited me.”

Then the ones who pleased the Lord will ask, “When did we give you something to eat or drink? When did we welcome you as a stranger or give you clothes to wear or visit you while you were sick or in jail?”

The king will answer, “Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.”

~Matthew 25:35-40 Contemporary English Version

Self-Respect: the Means for Self-Love - Part 2

How important are self-respect and self-love for determining lifestyle, success and happiness? June Jordan, the only child of Jamaican immigrants and who became an American poet and essayist, wrote in a speech: “I am a feminist and I am black which means that I must love myself as though my life depends upon self-love and self-respect.” You may or may not agree with her, but can you sense courage and endurance in her self-assessment?

Have you considered what gave Jesus courage to begin his ministry as Messiah? How did he endure the criticism, rejection, hatred and harassment for three years, then be able to go to the cross and suffer through the torturous pain of crucifixion?

Jesus believed he was indeed the Son of God and that he came to give his life as a ransom for all of mankind. Can you identify the purpose God has given you as a believer? The sharper you are in identifying that purpose, the greater will be your ability to endure the hardships of this life and still celebrate with joy the life God has given you.  

Change, Challenge, and Convictions of Steel - Part 3

Engagement is a wonderful word most often referring to a couple's decision to make their relationship exclusive. Engagement means entering a covenant bond with promises regarding roles and behaviors to be honored for a lifetime. The integrity of each person entering this covenant bond affects the endurance of the relationship.

Engagement is an essential factor in communication. Engaging a person in conversation means more than exchanging words. It indicates two people are on the same track and their exchange of words is meaningful. To engage another person means to give value to that person, and it goes beyond words to give recognition to what another is feeling.

Resilience is related to staying on track rather than getting sidetracked. Jesus in John 21 demonstrated resilience with Peter when he asked him three times, "Peter do you love me?" Jesus was aware of the trials yet to be endured by Peter. He engaged and challenged Peter by asking for a commitment that would endure regardless of hardships yet to be faced.