IBS 10 - Joy in being patient

Colossians 1:11
"Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy."
In Paul's letter to the Colossians He is giving thanks and prayer to God for the faith of the Colossians. Prayer for their fulfilment in the knowledge of God's will. Going on to speak of the manner worthy of the Lord. Patience, longsuffering, endurance, with joy! For verse 1:11 this is the manner Paul writes of and it's an important one to understand. Naturally the flesh does not respond with joy during times of suffering. Christians find the ability to behave in such manner because it's a manner of the spirit. With the spiritual wisdom and understanding we find happiness in servanthood for the Lord. Here the lesson is that God strengthens his children to endure longsuffering and we should have joy for the  strength to do His will . In Luke 21:17 Jesus says "You will be hated by all for my name's sake." Applying this to my day I will take my meals last before my fellow servants. To symbolize tolerance and patience to the suffering of the flesh; and taking joy in being last.

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