God is _____? Part 6

A follow up to my post God is _____? Part 5



"(Love) is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrong." -1 Corinthians 13:5
We don't get easily angered, do we?
Haha.  If anyone has little siblings, I think you know what I mean.  Those small things that tick you off - songs sung in the wrong keys, eyes peering over your shoulder as you reply to emails, random little people jumping out to scare you... you get my point. =)  I wouldn't say I get "angry"...maybe "upset", "irritated" "or annoyed" would be better words.
Have you ever felt that way?  Do little things bug you?  Do you struggle with loving the annoying people in your life?  I know I do.  Whether or not you lash out at the person who bothers you, it's wrong to get upset at those little things.  If we are striving to live like Jesus, then what should our lives look like?

"The Lord is slow to anger..." (Nahum 1:3a)
"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do."  (Colossians 3:12-13)
There you have it.  We need to be slow to anger.  Patient.  Compassionate.  Gracious.  Forgiving.  Why?  Because God has done the same for us!
I have in no way mastered this.  I struggle to always have patience.  It's hard to forgive those who bug us on a daily basis!  But it's 100% necessary for those striving to live a God-honoring life.
What about "keeping a record of wrongs"?  It's easy to fall into a pattern of thinking.  That person always does this to me, so he'll probably do it again.  I can't forgive him!  What's the opposite of keeping a record of wrongs?
Forgiveness!Did you see the passage from Colossians that I posted above?  "Even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do."  Instead of holding grudges or remembering what someone said to make you mad, forgive them.  Love them.  Give them a second chance.  (Just like Christ has done for you and me!)
Easier said than done, right?  We know that we shouldn't allow ourselves to be angered by little things.  We also know that we should forgive the person and not hold it against them.  But how do we take the first step?
I don't have a clean-cut answer.  This is between you and God.  Ask Him for patience, forgiveness, and love.  If there is a certain person that you need to love more, pray for him.  Maybe do some random acts of kindness towards that person.  Hold your tongue when they ruffle your feathers.  I'm with you in this challenge.  I'm going to try (and pray!) to be a patient, loving sister and friend to those around me.  Even when it's hard.  No, especially when it's hard!
Ultimately, show them Christ's love.  Maybe that's what they need to change.  Maybe they need a friend - someone who doesn't judge them, hate them, or ignore them.  Be that person.

How are you going to show love to someone who you don't get along with?  Do you have any thoughts on these qualities of God?  Comment below!