Today: I choose..

This verse in my life has always been a cute little song in my head or just a verse that I memorized when I was a kid, just because its what you did. It was not until about a year ago or so that I was handed a breakdown of this verse. It changed my life for real. 

No occasion justifies hatred. 

No injustice warrants bitterness.

I will invite my God of circumstance. 

I will refuse the temptation to be cynical or bitter.

I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings created by God.

I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.

I choose to live forgiven.

I will forgive that I may live.

I will overlook the inconvenience of the world.

Instead of cursing the one who took my place, I will encourage them to do so. 

Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray.

Instead of clinching my fists at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.

I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone.

Kind to the rich; for they are afraid.

Kind to the unkind for such is now God has treated me.

I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one.

I will be overlooked before I boast.

I will confess before I accuse.

Today I will keep my promises.

My debtors will not regret their trust.

My associates will not question my word.

No one I love will question my love.

Nothing is won by force.

I choose to be gentle.

If I raise my voice may it only be in praise.

If I clinch my fist may it only be in prayer.

If I make a demand, may it only be of myself. 

I am a spiritual being– after this body is dead, my spirit will soar.

I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal.

I will only be drunk with joy.

I will only be impassioned by my faith.

I will be influenced only by God.

I will be taught only by Christ.

I encourage you to write these down in your journal.. turn it into a prayer. A declaration. Make it a daily plea. The Spirit is eager to produce these things, if we ask for them. The fruit of the Spirit is not just love and joy. Not just patience and self control. Its all of the above. The end.