To Be Like Jesus ~

For the past week or so I have thought of this: Through many toils, dangers, and snares we have already come.  Twas Grace that brought us safe thus far…and Grace will lead us home. Words penned by a man that definitely KNEW what Grace was all about.  The words are a verse from the song “Amazing Grace”.

Grace….Oh, it is amazing, my friend!...and not meant to be taken lightly.  Unmerited favor, oh how sweet it is. It is the Name of Jesus and His precious blood that is our safe haven, but it is Grace that gives the strength needed to whisper us there. 
 
Galatians 5:22-23  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law

When one walks through the orchard they can smell the fragance of the blossom (fruit) that the trees are producing.  So likewise it is when people walk through the garden of our own lives, OR when we walk in theirs.  When we have the Spirit working in our life it affects the senses of others in such a wonderful, and most oftentimes, miraculous way. 

Just as the apples appear on the tree in an apple orchard, when we live God’s way He brings gifts into our lives.  The fruit of the Spirit—the spirit of GOD—will produce in us things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity, a sense of compassion in the heart, and basic holiness convictions that permeates, not only our self, but the things and the people around us.  By God’s help (by His grace) we CAN make a positive difference in our world.   

God will do miracles through a heart that is alined with His Spirit.  And, the miracle seems to shine more brightly when you have a friend to share in its victory.  Jesus has been that friend to us.    

To have a friend is to have one of the sweetest gifts that life can bring; to be a friend is to have a solemn and tender education of the soul from day to day. ---Amy Robertson Brown

All of us desire a friend here on earth, few know how to be one.  To have a solemn and tender education of the soul…daily. That is the class room I want to dwell in.  If we really understood the soul of humanity like our Lord understands it I wonder what kind of friend you and I would be?  To think on this statement is nothing small.  It makes me stand in awe and much gratitude of the friendship of my God. The One who knows all there is to know---the good, the bad, the ugly---yet willingly He sacrificed Himself for me anyway.  Jesus—the God man—fulfilled Galatians 5:22-23, and what an example He is! He LOVES with an infinite love [John 3:16] and He’s a friend like no other [Proverbs 18:24].