The Qualities Of The Elect

When we have accepted Jesus into our hearts we are born again. Our old life is put to death and we are raised up into newness of life. Our passions are no longer given to the flesh but to our God, whom we love more than all things. Everything about us is different for it is God that has changed us from within. As we pray often, the Lord will help us develop His characteristics in our lives. Paul taught, “as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another.” All of these things can be summed up in love. When the love of Christ is in our hearts we will more easily forgive one another. Our attention will be more on others than ourselves. Our desires will be to lift up those around us. When someone needs help we will lend a helping hand. When the peace of God rules our hearts His light will shine bright. We will delight in His goodness. Give praise to the one who has restored your life from death. Give Him thanks for His mercy and grace. Sing hymns to our God on high, with one another, for His love has no end.

It is amazing to think of the life I once knew compared to what I have now. The Lord has truly turned my life around. Though I am not perfect, I seek the holiness of God in my life. I am drawn daily to be in His presence. His love has given me hope for a better day. I am blessed even more so when my desires are to help others in need. My desires seem less important in the service of God. I thank Him for giving me a heart to love one another. It’s His kindness that helps me forgive others. It is God alone that helps me live a better life. It is His presence that helps my thoughts shift from me to another. When the Lord is my focus I can better control my flesh and do His will. Thank You God for molding my life daily. Each day that I pray I am drawn closer to You. Your will becomes more evident in my life. Thank You for giving my mind clarity. I can feel Your love and am grateful to share it with one another. Wherever you lead me I will go. Let Your will be done in my life. I give You control. You are the ruler of my heart. You are my supplier of wisdom and knowledge. With all my soul I praise You from the Inside Out. I love You.

Colossians 3:12-17 (KJV)
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.