Acts 6:1b – And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied
Background – Early days of church. Probably a few weeks or at most a few months after Pentecost and the church was really growing. 3000 – one day! They began to meet in homes
Jews, Gentiles, Samaritans, Ethiopians were becoming believers
Various cultures came together – these were cultures not used to being together
As matter of fact these new believers were very racially segregated and did not like one another. They had persecuted one another, defamed one another, and now here they were in the same Body of Christ.
Saved, Sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost – and they were working together and it was going well.
On the Day of Pentecost not only did people speak in other tongues and not only did others heart in their own languages BUT,
Different races, different genders, different backgrounds, different economic classes were all there worshipping together, serving together and loving one another.
Jesus said in John 13:35 – By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
Here were His Words made manifest – Jesus said this is the kind of love that will make the world know that you are My disciples and this is the kind of love that will cause people to believe in Me.
Meditating on this in light of things going on in my own life
Tanzania. Street ministry with ladies involved in sex trafficking. Only focus!
Not much physical prep, so I asked God – then how do I prepare my heart? God gave me such a Word and while sometimes Words are just for us, I believe with my whole heart this is for all of us.
HE SAID: Love is patient and love is kind.
1 Corinthians 13:4a – Charity suffereth long, and is kind
MISSION TRIPS – different dress, different body language, different ways of doing things like eating.
What is appropriate for us may not be appropriate for them (and vice versa)
Patient and kind as it regards their culture and beliefs. To honor them because when we honor them, we honor God.
Maybe easier to get in that mind of Christ for a mission trip but what about in your family or on your job or in the grocery store; your everyday life?
FAMILY VACATIONS – Even or maybe especially here, you are representing Christ. The Hope of Glory.
Galatians 2:20 – I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Christ lives in me! God is love (1 John 4:8). Love is patient and love is Kind.
Romans 2:4b – the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance
Romans 12:10 – Be kindly affectioned one to another with brother love; in honor preferring one another.
Romans 12:18 – If it is possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with ALL men.
- Jesus Christ lives in you so it is possible!!!!
God said to me, Love is patient and love is kind. He has now said it to you!
What does it mean to be patient and kind?
Patient – bearing the provocation, annoyance, misfortune, hardship, pain without complaint, anger, loss of temper, irritation or the like. The ability and willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay. Quiet, steady perseverance; even tempered care; to be diligent. Undergoing the action of another.
Kind – a good or benevolent nature or disposition. Having, showing or proceeding from benevolence (expressing goodwill or kind feelings). Desiring to help others. Indulgent or showing some tolerance, considerate or showing awareness or regard for another’s feelings or circumstances. Helpful. Mild, gentle.
Be patient and kind in your words and your actions
Israeli Teacher –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0Lar94iNFM
Story on FB of Chen Miller as she told the story of a little boy with big eyes. It was the story of a student of hers who cursed, spat, screamed daily convinced that he was disturbed.
She showed patience and kindness as his teacher. She didn’t argue with him or fight with him. She didn’t agree with him or his parents or previous teachers.
Instead she just said to him, “I know you have a big heart. I know that you’re clever. I know that you’re a good boy.”
She repeated these phrases to him every week until one day he began to believe the words for himself!
Have you ever had someone speak like that into your life? I have Pat Gilbert
God is going to use you mightily! He has great things in store for you! So no matter what, you keep letting Him use you to minister!
On days when I want to give up or give in. Pastor talked about it some today where I feel inadequate, unprepared and worthless in my calling, I can still hear Sister Pat saying to me….
I was thinking today I am Sister Pat’s fruit and all those ladies in Tanzania that I met last year they are hers too. They are the fruit of many in here too.
YOUR KINDNESS AND YOUR PATIENCE; YOUR KIND, ENCOURAGING, LIFE-GIVING WORDS. YOUR PATIENCE and KINDNESS IN YOUR ACTIONS produce FRUIT!!!!!
LOVE IS PATIENT. LOVE IS KIND.
a lamp and a light 