Heavenly Father, I praise You for allowing me to go to the Holiness Camp up in West Branch as they are celebrating 75 years. It was good to sing the old hymns again. This is where I was saved when I was 16, which was 43 years ago. I praise You for the time I was able to spend worshiping with my church and for the time I had with my wife, enjoying the day. Help me to take command of my day and shake the evil from it.
Your word says, “Bear with one another and forgive one another. If anyone has a quarrel against anyone, even as Christ forgave you, so you must do.” [Colossians 3:13] I have found in life that I can get along with most people. I have also continued to learn to forgive. Sometimes in life, I avoid people so that I don’t continue to be hurt, but I also hold nothing against them that would cause me or them to have issues with Christ. This is an interesting line to walk, I know. I can not and will not let anger, hatred, or bitterness take hold in my life, eating at me or destroying me. On the other hand, I have learned to surround myself with people I trust and care about. I have also learned with Your Spirit as a guide how to help others bear their burdens. I can pray, sometimes I can help with wisdom, or with stepping in and working with them to solve the problem. I attempt to be as Christ-like as I can.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Holy Spirit, help us to bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances we may have against one another. Teach us to forgive as the Lord forgave us. And over all these virtues help us to put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, since as members of one body we are called to peace. Let us be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in us richly as we teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in our hearts to God. And whatever we do, whether in word or deed, help us to do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Amen. Colossians 3:12-17