Setting a Good Example

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"Setting a Good Example"

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” — Galatians 5:22 NIV

Probably the best way to influence another person, whether child or adult, is to set a good example. We cannot try to "act it out," for our phoniness will soon be detected. Our actions must come from what we are in our hearts. Today's scripture lists the ingredients we need in order to set that good example.

One of the most important ingredients is patience. It is very easy to discourage others when you are impatient. You may not agree with their actions, but when you see them trying to change, give them time. Love and kindness will bring out the best in them. Frederick William Faber wrote, "Kind words are the music of the world. They have the power that seems to be beyond natural causes, as if they were some angel's song that had lost its way and come to earth. —No one was ever corrected by sarcasm —crushed, perhaps, if the sarcasm was clever enough, but drawn nearer to God, never."

Sylvia is an excellent teacher, but she is critical and demanding, impatient when her standards are not met. Diane is also an excellent teacher, but she is patient, kind and never mockingly critical. Not only is Diane a more popular teacher, but she is remembered with love and I am certain that many students' lives are influenced by her good example.

I'm sure if you look back, you'll remember some persons who set good examples for you. And I am sure you will find that their lives were filled with some of the fruit of the Spirit. Prayerful living will guide you to these qualities and not only will you be setting a good example for all whom you meet, but your life will be enhanced also.

Lord, create in me a clean heart, so that I am filled with the fruit of the Spirit. Allow me to set a good example for others. Amen.

“Prayerful Living”