What do you do when you continually reach out to someone and they don’t respond? I like to build relationships with my co-workers – my employees, peers and superiors. When my attempts to build friendships are not reciprocated I have a hard time not taking it personally. But what if that person has a different personality and they don’t “need” to have friendships at work? How do I respond? Well, I have thought about it and I will continue to be myself and reach out with no expectations of any kind of return. I think that is what God would want me to do. Today, I would like to share a devotional from my book Devotions for Working Women that reminds us to be humble, gentle and patient, with others.
Be Humble, Gentle, and Patient
# 29
Ephesians 4:1-2 (NLT)
Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.
In this verse Paul is writing to the church of Ephesus, and he is begging them to live a life worthy of their calling. We are all called to serve Him in a special way. But in order for us to walk in the will of God, in our calling, we must be humble, gentle, and patient with one another. These are rare character traits in the business community and the workplace. God cannot use us if we are proud because in our pride we become deceived, rude, and impatient. Gentleness is another rarity these days. People don’t treat each other gently, but abruptly. Our lives have become so busy we don’t have patience to wait for anything, help somebody in need, or just love people.
Have you realized that you have been called by God? I encourage you to strive to be a humble, gentle, and patient woman so God can use you to the fullest.
You can purchase Devotions for Working Women at www.amazon.com.