Great passages from the Bible (part 2)

Today we continue looking at some noteworthy Bible passages.  These verses are memorable for being helpful to our daily struggle with life’s challenges.

In James 5 verse 16 we are told, The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.  There are times when you just don’t know what to do. Someone dear to you has been diagnosed with a life-changing health problem. A friend is doing something self-destructive and doesn’t want your help or advice.  You are confronted with a serious dilemma and cannot see any good way to solve the problem.  When you feel powerless or don’t know what to do, prayer is your best option.  A friend might refuse your help, but she cannot stop you from praying for her.  When you are confused and don’t know what is best, pray to the Lord for wisdom or to reveal the best way forward.  When you are powerless to fix a problem, ask God to take charge of the situation.  You can pray with confidence, because friends of Jesus always have His Father’s ear.

Also helpful are these words given in Galatians 5 verses 22-23: the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Our world is constantly in motion.  Things change almost faster than we can keep up.  Sometimes it’s hard to know how to react, how to conduct ourselves.  How can I please the people who are important to me?  What kind of behavior is appropriate?  How can I show God my appreciation for taking such good care of me?  Thankfully, the Spirit of God provides the answers.  He teaches us how to love unselfishly, be patient with others, and show kindness through our behavior.  He helps us to be gentle instead of overbearing, faithful instead of fickle, and to control our troublesome impulsiveness.  The Holy Spirit shows us what goodness is, and makes it possible to experience peace and joy. When life is lived this way, everyone is happy.

But one of the most helpful things for getting through each day is told us in Colossians 3 verse 13: Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  Life is too short to carry grudges, yet everyone does.  We don’t want to forgive being wronged, we want satisfaction.  We feel entitled to compensation for being hurt, and when that compensation is not forthcoming, we grow angry and bitter.  But the only person you hurt by holding a grudge is yourself.  You can’t enjoy the day, and your nasty attitude pushes others away.  Far better to forgive, even if the person who caused you pain doesn’t ask for it or even want it.  It’s not always easy to forgive, but in Christ you have expert help.