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Tensions were running high among members of the family. Feelings were hurt, angry words were spoken. Several took offense at an insensitive remark made by another. Julie resolved to remain claim no matter what was said. She took deep breaths, counted to ten, and physically separated the feuding siblings. Nothing seemed to work, the situation became worst.
Julie told her family to remain silent for a period of time, to think about the consequences of their words to each other. This seemed to work for a couple of minutes before one of the siblings began whining about another. The momentary peace was shattered. Even with her best intentions at that moment Julie snapped, "You need to pray to the Holy Spirit," she said, "for help with your tongue today!" The sibling was taken aback by his sister's words, even Julie was surprised at what she said. What she said was on target, but she sounded angry. She paused to pray for God's presence in this difficult situation.
That day was a turning point in the life of that family. Julie says, "I wish I could report that at that moment the sea of contention parted and we all walked through in peace. Unfortunately that was not the case." Bathed in prayer and the presence of God this family began to treat each other like a family again.
The apostle Paul wrote, "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." While it is not always easy, we need to practice the "fruits of the Spirit" in all our dealings with family, friends and all people.
Julie told her family to remain silent for a period of time, to think about the consequences of their words to each other. This seemed to work for a couple of minutes before one of the siblings began whining about another. The momentary peace was shattered. Even with her best intentions at that moment Julie snapped, "You need to pray to the Holy Spirit," she said, "for help with your tongue today!" The sibling was taken aback by his sister's words, even Julie was surprised at what she said. What she said was on target, but she sounded angry. She paused to pray for God's presence in this difficult situation.
That day was a turning point in the life of that family. Julie says, "I wish I could report that at that moment the sea of contention parted and we all walked through in peace. Unfortunately that was not the case." Bathed in prayer and the presence of God this family began to treat each other like a family again.
The apostle Paul wrote, "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." While it is not always easy, we need to practice the "fruits of the Spirit" in all our dealings with family, friends and all people.
