EMBRACING PATIENCE AND SELF-CONTROL - A FAITH BASED HUMANITARIAN AND EVANGELICAL ORGANISATION

SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS

November 22, 2023

CULTIVATE KINDNESS AND FORGIVENESS

November 27, 2023

TITLE: 50 DAYS OF PRAYERS AND EXERCISES FOR THE NEW YEAR.

THEME: Preparing Mentally and Spiritually for a Blessed Year-End and A Fruitful New Year

DAY 13 – 14 (FRIDAY 24^TH AND SATURDAY 25^TH NOVEMBER 2023)

TOPIC: EMBRACING PATIENCE AND SELF-CONTROL

AUTHOR: MARY LAWRENCE-DOKPESI

SCRIPTURE:

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires” – James 1:19 – 20

EMBRACING PATIENCE AND SELF-CONTROL

As we prepare to enter the New Year, it is pertinent that we cultivate the spirit of patience, compassion, empathy and self – control. These are some of Christ’s virtues that must guide our relationship with one another.

In today’s word, we are reminded of the importance of our words and actions. James 1:19 encourages us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of patience, self-control, and empathy in our interactions with others. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody these virtues in our daily lives.

As we navigate through the complexities of life into the New Year, it is easy to fall into the trap of impulsive reactions and hasty responses that might disrupt our progress and prosperity in the New Year. However, the wisdom found in James 1:19 urges us to approach situations with a spirit of attentiveness and understanding. Being quick to listen entails actively engaging with others, seeking to understand their perspectives before formulating our own responses. This requires humility and a willingness to set aside our preconceived notions.

Moreover, being slow to speak reminds us of the power of our words. Our speech has the potential to uplift or tear down, to bring healing or cause harm. By exercising restraint in our speech, we can cultivate an environment of respect and kindness, which can help to build fortune for us in the New Year.

Lastly, being slow to become angry encourages us to exercise patience and self-control, even in moments of frustration or disagreement. It is a call to respond with grace and love rather than allowing anger to dictate our actions.

SPIRITUAL EXERCISE

1. Practice being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry in your daily interactions.

2. Pay attention to your responses and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in moments of frustration or impatience.

3. Pray for increased patience and self-control as you navigate relationships and challenges.

PRAYERS

Heavenly Father, grant me the strength and wisdom to embody the virtues outlined in James 1:19. Help me to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry in my interactions with others. May Your Spirit guide me in moments of impatience and frustration, enabling me to respond with grace and understanding as I enter into the New Year. Amen.

FURTHER READING: Proverbs 15:1; Ephesians 4:29

Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi

Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi was born in Nigeria to Patrick Abuda Obeakemhe and Juliana Fatimatu Obeakemhe, both from Ogbona Town. With a master’s degree in law, she was called to the bar at the age of twenty-two, and she is currently the principle partner of the law firm Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi & Associates. She is also the founder of two philanthropic organizations: the Living Waters Mission and the Rose Croix Foundation. In addition to law, Lawrence-Dokpesi was drawn to spiritual pursuits at an early age, having begun studying philosophy, theology, chaplaincy, and spirit therapy by the age of eighteen. Inspired by her spiritual calling, she has produced ten intensively researched manuscripts on spiritual matters. Although Understanding the Spiritual was the last to be written, it is the first to be published. Lawrence-Dokpesi is a mother and a wife living in the city of Abuja, Nigeria.