Christ-like qualities

Ask God to bless those who persecute you-yes, ask him to bless, not to curse. Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep. Have the same concern for everyone. Do not be proud, but accept humble duties. Do not think of yourselves as wise. (verses 14-16)

Read Romans 12:9-21

Springtime-it’s a good time for gardening because it’s the optimum time to plant many varieties of vegetable. It’s a simple enough task. If you want to grow corn you plant a corn seed. If you want to grow basil you plant basil seeds. Its child’s play!

God plants Jesus in the heart of every believer. He knows what will grow there-an abundance of produce in accord with the seed that was sown. As he plants Jesus in your heart, he expects certain qualities to sprout in your life. Paul has listed the qualities that God wants to grow in you. Here you can see what seed God planted within you by the produce he expects.

Let the seed of Jesus Christ grow unhindered in my life, God, bringing forth an abundant harvest with all the qualities mentioned in your word to me today. Amen.

by Simon Cooper, in ‘Renewed Hope for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2000)

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