“Love is patient and kind—not irritable or resentful.” 1Cor. 13:1-5
Dear Jesus, there’s nothing like starting the week resting in you and convicted of my sin. The two work well together. This verse doesn’t step on my toes; it arrests my heart. Lately I’ve been experiencing a bit of ISS—”Irritable Spirit Syndrome”—more honestly, “Irritated Scotty Sinning.”
For the most part, my words remain in check and in Christ; but my body language has been fluent in an arrogant annoyance, a silence that slays, and impatience bordering on OCD. Jesus, I own and repent of these things. It feels good to be honest; it will feel great to be freer of ISS.
What’s the way forward for me this week? To start with, a greater preoccupation with you, Jesus—not just awesome thoughts about you, but heart-to-heart communion and connection with you. If all it takes to ruin my day is a little political madness, with what “King” and Kingdom am I most preoccupied? Jesus, close the gap between my wonderful theology and my emotional immaturity.
If all it takes for me to lose my joy and get “snarky and barky” on the inside is an imperfect puppy, high humidity, tangled fishing line, an out-of-tune guitar and off pitch singer in the worship band, old resentments, a current war, or a new wrinkle on my face—then the only thing that needs to change is my attitude… and therefore my heart.
Jesus, I am asking and trusting you for a week of your Spirit’s convicting work in my life, the gift of quick repentances when I sin in thought, word, and action; and for the freedom to rest in your love, boast in your cross, and rejoice in the Gospel. That’s a tall order; but you are a Big Savior. Hallelujah, and So Very Amen.
