Today’s guest author is SaVonni Yestanti, who describes herself as a grateful mom and teacher to a young son, and a fruit bearer called by God to “finish the race” by telling everyone about the work that He has been trying to complete within her. She was directed by God to offer a unique, judgment-free ministry that focuses on the Freedom that each individual has in Christ. You can follow her ministry at GodGaveMeFreedom.com
(Image: Unsplash)
We can’t love people if we don’t have the patience to deal with people or the circumstances we may find ourselves in. Specifically, makrothumia deals with our ability, as Beth Moore states in the video series, to “be patient with people who are driving us nuts.” Moore stressed the fact that God is keenly interested in makrothumia because “people will always be the priority over circumstances. God’s priority is going to be how we treat people.”
We are to exhibit patience towards others because God exhibited patience towards us. Looking at the “ungrateful servant,” (Matthew 18), we see the consequences of not exhibiting the patience that is granted to us. Moore talked about the fact that God knew it would be harder to deal with some people than it would be deal to deal with others because those “thorns in our sides” tend to bring out the worst in us. When we bring out the worst that is contained within us, God shaves off that bad stuff, presenting us as a closer representation of His full character.
Unlike hupomone, where we pray about our circumstances, makrothumia requires the releasing of the Holy Spirit within us; it is God’s spirit working through us to show God’s patience to people. We are propositioned by Moore to consider this seriously as the world WILL NOT help us in this regard. Again, the world is not prepared to exhibit patience in our fast-paced society, as everybody wants everything right now. So Moore gave us a phrase to consider: “Patience waits.” We are asked to show God’s patience towards others the way that He shows patience towards us every day.
We are asked to “bear” with one another; to endure…to exercise restraint when dealing with people…. and then we are introduced to another Greek word, anecho, which means “to put up with; forbear.” That does not mean that we are to be gluttons for punishment; what that means is that we are to be slow to respond negatively to persecution and hardship. It is for this reason: just because a situation is hard, does not mean that it is necessary from the enemy; it may be a situation that is created to fix something within us. When this is the case, we have a testimony of overcoming to witness to others. Our testament serves to help others who may be experiencing the very same thing.
To help us further exercise restraint when dealing with others, we were introduced to the premise of judgment and damaging it can be. We learned the Greek term for the word judgment is krino, which means “to pass judgment upon, condemn, take vengeance on.”
Finally, we looked at Biblical forgiveness. We learned that we cannot walk in step with the Spirit if we are so busy keeping a record of wrongs – and we also give Satan a foothold as he notices yet another thing to cause division between us as individuals and between us and God. We are to forgive EVERYONE for EVERYTHING, ALL OF THE TIME, as God commands us, so He can forgive each of us for everything. When we do this, we “wipe the slate clean” and we choose not to grieve the Holy Spirit by whom we were “sealed for the day of redemption.”
You cannot be free to keep step with the Spirit when you are encumbered by the load of unforgiveness. -Beth Moore
Assignment For Next Week
- Read Week Seven in the workbook
- Listen to the Session Seven Audio (optional)
- OR…Listen to the Session Seven Video (optional)
In week six of Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit by Beth Moore, we’re asked to consider the fourth Fruit of the Spirit: Patience. We are introduced to different Greek translations for the word patience, as originally recorded in scripture. Moore explains the difference between hupomone patience, which translates into endurance or perseverance inspired by hope, and makrothumia, inspired by mercy and the quality of the Fruit of the Spirit.
The hope I possess is that God knows every trial I have and is bringing me to maturity through it. I do want to be like my Savior, knowing Him through the fellowship of His sufferings. Troubles aren’t pleasant and left to myself I wouldn’t choose them but it is how God grows us up. When what I know and what I feel don’t gel, I default to the truth that God is for me.
Reason #5 is what most spoke to me. I am judging God when I judge others. He has been so patient with me and through it allowed me to come to faith and yet I want to so quickly condemn others and decide their fate. Shame on me! God desires that everyone know Him and sometimes I want to cut off that opportunity. I need to praise Him for His long-suffering toward me and for His heart toward mankind. He is generous even with time.
1.Based upon this weeks study, what hope do you possess to help you persevere through your trials? (page 118)
My hope is that I will one day see God; to really see God and be with God…not for God to see me and say, “Sorry, you didn’t make it and I don’t know you!”
2.Starting on page 123, Beth listed 11 reasons why we must not judge others. Which reason has the most meaning for you and why?
The reason that has the most meaning for me is the fact that when we judge, often, we do not know the whole truth of a situation or about a person. Looking back upon when I’ve judged others, I notice how I was continually surprised to see “the truth” of each individual’s situation. Each person deals with things that we don’t always know about and I remind myself that I need to keep my eyes focused upon the fact that God loves that person, just as much as He loves me. It is hard to see what God loves about those we don’t agree with, but try we must.
3.Do you have a body roped to your back (page 128) and if so, how do you intend to release it?
Yes, actually I’m trying to abide by the guidance that God has given me with respect to people I don’t agree with. It is no coincidence that I was given the Fruit of patience to cover. God is telling me that the difficult people (from the past and in the present) were and are there to help refine me into responding the way that He would respond to various circumstances, ideals….and yes, people.
4.Share a Garden Tool, something meaningful you learned in this week’s study.
My garden tool this week is the spade; I need to dig up any unresolved judgment, hurt or pain that I still hold within my heart and release it to God, given that He knew dealing with people would be tough! I need to believe what God says over what circumstances or people say and I need to UnderStand that if God says I can deal with the “harder” sides of people/things, then “I Can.”
Hey Christine!
Thank you so much for including me in this study! I’m just grateful to be a part of something positive that glorifies God. I’m happy the post inspired you and I wouldn’t worry about shortening it…I’ve been pulling all of my notes together to offer what I’ve learned in these studies on the http://www.GodGaveYouFreedom.com site. It will go along with my own Fruits of the Spirit study a wrote several years ago…so exciting! God is good!
🙂
At the last day of the lesson I asked the Holy Spirit to show me the people I had something against. As quickly as I wrote down one name another name came to mind. I was humbled to realize that unforgiveness is habit forming, just as Beth Moore said. The more I recalled the more entangled I realized that I was. The word picture began to take on new meaning and I realized that I was so snarled up I was powerless to even grab hold of something to cut the cord that held so many on my back. I just began to ask God to forgive me. I called on the name of Jesus and asked that once again His mercy would be enough for me and that I could start afresh once again. Once again I find myself with a clean slate and a realization that I cannot justify my lack of mercy with the excuse that only God can forgive and forget. That may be true but it is that very God that dwells within me and through Christ all things are possible. I recently read that evil thoughts are not just banished from our minds they are driven out by the mind of Christ. I want to think on the things that are good, pleasant, virtuous, and even praise worthy, as Philippians admonishes us. In this I shall find myself seeking God’s kindness and mercy for myself and those around me, being slow to speak and quick to listen as James instructs. I was discouraged to think that I could not do it but encouraged to be reminded that it is not me doing it but Christ within me.
I have been reading a book by Schambach and he writes about being perfect, “Do not be discouraged because you have not attained perfection. There is an ultimate perfection which will only be reached when we see Jesus face to face at His coming. But there is growth in grace, growing toward perfection, which must continue as long as we remain in the flesh. Our perfection may be likened to the fruit on a tree. From the time the bud appears, the apple on the inside, though very tiny, can be perfect. It has not yet taken on the size, color, or flavor it will eventually have, but in its present state it is perfect. As it is nourished, fed, and protected from frost and disease, it grows into a perfect little green apple. And as it is touched by sunshine and rain, it finally develops into a large, beautiful, fully-ripe fruit.” He notes that the only time God doesn’t see it is as perfect is when it quits growing and begins to shrivel up and eventually falls to the ground. It encourages me to read this and know it is possible to be like Him because it is Him that dwells in me. You can read more on my blog at http://www.theyneverfail.blogspot.com.
What is the name of the book in case someone here wants to read it? 🙂
The Price of God’s Miracle Working Power by R.W. Schambach.
1. What hope do you possess to help you persevere through your trials? Knowing that God and the Holy Spirit are there to help me fight any problems I may face. Giving me more patience to fight off the wrong choices and make the right ones. Also that one day I will be worthy enought to see Him face to face.
2. Reason number 4: We are only human and can not judge people the way God judges them. If we try and do God’s job…we are in the wrong. Also I have the tendency to judge people before I really know them. That is just wrong of me.
3. Do you have a body roped to your back??? More than one, and I need to get rid of them….they are only bringing me down, heartache, unforgiveness, and mostly dead weight. I need to pray more over this.
4. Learn to forgive…..go ask someones forgiveness if you have done them wrong, or do not know the reason why they are unhappy with you. Need to pray over this more also.
Blessing to you all, have a wonderful week,
Sue Alice
My hope is that I know that God has a plan. He has a purpose and all things will work together, even if I don’t know or can’t see how. I also see my blessings and know that God is a loving God. My hope is in blessings here on Earth and glory in the hereafter.
HOw I needed this lesson about judging! And today, as I was driving around listening to my thoughts (I”m working through Jennifer Rothschild’s Me, Myself, and Lies, too), I actually verbalized out loud… STOP judging people, because so often that is my first tendency. So all 11 of these hit home… but probably the one that really hit home the closest was the fact taht I am often judging others for things I do myself (ie, complain, whine, etc). I also need to keep in mind that there are two sides to every story.
I wouldn’t say that I currently have a body on my back, but I am bad to hold grudges against my husband. When things go wrong, I tend to say, “5 years ago, you did this and I should have known then…” (Ok, maybe I am exagerrating there, but still…)
Patience is a virtue… it takes patience to grow a garden of beautiful flowers. We need this patience to grow our seeds of faith to become what God would want us to be.
1.Based upon this weeks study, what hope do you possess to help you persevere through your trials?
I have one situation that I do have hope in and that is that my husband will accept Jesus back into his heart again. and with this i do need patience but i know that it will happen one day I have Faith.
2.Starting on page 123, Beth listed 11 reasons why we must not judge others. Which reason has the most meaning for you and why? the only one that spoke to me was the one about not knowint the truth. We don’t know the whole truth but now i find myself saying something judgemental but then right away i think of a good reason why they are doing what they are doing. i almost always look at the good side of a situation or i can find the good. Its been a long time since i really judge some one.
4.Share a Garden Tool, something meaningful you learned in this week’s study.My garden tool this week would be a watering hose. so that i can keep my endurance up by making sure my holy spirt in me is constinaly nuriance. (sorry my spelling is bad, especially when i’m tired) the holy spirit is like a flower in me that needs water to help it grow just like i need Jesus in my heart to help me endure the trials that cause me to lose my patiences. ok..
My hope in persevering through trials is that God, who loves me with a perfect love that is working for ultimate, pure good and suffered, giving His life (“He became nothing”) for me, is in control. That is who I want to be in control. I’m in GOOD hands.
When we judge others we are judging God.
God’s judgment is always righteous, ours is tainted.
We can’t judge righteously because our sight is hindered by our own sin.
Our judgment would have to be completely consistent with God’s.
NOBODY, NOBODY can judge God. When I get frustrated with someone because they do something or don’t do something, I don’t need to be frustrated. God is dealing with them. I’m judging God’s dealing, God’s timing, God’s patience.
:/ God’s judgment is always right so let Him do His perfect work. The burden is off my shoulders. What am I thinking judging someone when I have my own faults that need worked on. And of course my ways are not His, His ways are not mine so I cannot match His perfect judgment.
As the “Patience week” came to an end I looked into the greek for Makrothymia (long/far;strong passion – a compound word). Anyway there was a lot there that the Lord hit me with. ie: “patience is hard waiting without hard feelings”, “suffer without complaint”, “patience serves a greater purpose”,”impatience is an addiction to comfort, ease, and our own will…”view time not as our own but as a gift to be used for God’s glory…can we really hope to be patient with people as long as we believe that our time is our own?”
Loved the reminder that I am in GOOD hands! Also, excellent to bring out that so much of our impatience with others comes from being self-centered. I love how you pointed out that once we realize that it is all about God, all day, every day, it makes it important that we realize that no matter what we are doing, it is for God’s glory, and He’ll have us in the right place even when it seems like to us it is at the wrong time. Thanks! =)
Something on my “Viewer Guide” page that is so good for me to be aware of is: Some people bring out the worst in us. Perhaps they are suppose to. That way the icky, yucky stuff in us is revealed and we are aware of what’s there and can give it to God to work on. Amen!
1. I try to think about eternity and tell myself with that in mind what ever is happening will be long forgotten.
2. I have always noticed that as soon as I judge someone God points the same “flaw” out in me pretty quickly. It takes about a week, but I get “told”.
Based upon this weeks study, what hope do you possess to help you persevere through your trials? (page 118) I hope that I can possess more Patience and to know that there is a plan…it could be days, weeks, months or years but there will be a rainbow.
Starting on page 123, Beth listed 11 reasons why we must not judge others. Which reason has the most meaning for you and why? #2 Condemning others for the same things that I posses in one way or the other. I probably find myself doing this because I am in denial of my own actions. Looking at others is much easier that looking at yourself.
Do you have a body roped to your back (page 128) and if so, how do you intend to release it? My body rope is a decision that my husband made 10 years ago that has but our family in a finical mess. I find myself always coming back to that one decision no matter what may arise I always have that to blame. I want to release it by not looking back and recognize that he lives with more regrets and pain. If I release and let go…he can also heal.
1) The hope that I have that helps me through lifes trials is that when the trials are over, I will be with God.
2) What spoke to me the most from the reasons as to why we shouldnt judge, is we should not judge because we dont know the whole story. It is easy to just look at the surface of a person and not try to take the time to understand the person and their situation. It is not up to us to judge others, God is the only one qualified to make judgements because he knows the whole story.
3) As of right now the bodies on my back have not been revealed to me. I know that there must be some but I am waiting for God’s guidance to help me through this.
4) My garden tool for the week, in order to acheive true patience we must forgive one another.
God has never ever le me down. Sometimes I feel as though He is no longer there but that is when I want things in “my time” . The hardest part for me is remembering that God will take of me, in His time. I’m one of those people who wants everything yesterday so waiting on God is a lesson He is still teaching me. My point however is that He has never ever failed me. Lean on Him and He will see you through.
My Hope in trials is that I will feel Jesus more closely.
This week I am learning that if I judge others I am judging God, that really got my attention. When I stop and pay attention to my thoughts of others it pretty depressing how much I judge.
Week Six
1. Based upon this weeks study, what hope do you possess to help you persevere through your trials? (page 118)
Trials, now and in the past, my hope lies in God. His awesomeness, His will, His power. He knows the outcome I have to submit to His knowledge. I love to be in control, situations take that control from me so I have to obey God and he will take care of the rest.
2. Starting on page 123, Beth listed 11 reasons why we must not judge others. Which reason has the most meaning for you and why?
I liked “we are mere humans” in society now days humans are thinking themselves god. It’s obscene! Humans want to decide when a baby should live, when the old should be “put out of their misery” and when we think we can “manage” the planet (we can be good stewards but can’t make snow!)
And
“God’s judgment is righteous” again humanity is flawed, we are influenced by many things, both intended and unintended. I think like David we’d much rather face the righteousness of God’s judgment than the tainted judgment of men!
3. Do you have a body roped to your back (page 128) and if so, how do you intend to release it?
Well, yes and no. I put it down and call it done…. My issue. But then I find myself burdened again with it. I keep picking up that burden, that someone that gets under my skin. I forgive them for a wrong, then find myself angry at them again… and unlike God remembering and digging up the old wrongs…. Digging up bones better left alone!! My step-daughter is the only one that gets under my skin … consistently. Even when she doesn’t even intend to! I have always said God put us together for a reason. So I could shape her into a great woman, wife and mother (we are both very strong willed, her mom wasn’t and she would have not kept her from possibly very bad mistakes in life). However something I continue to forget, why did God put her with me? What is she teaching me? I pray I find out. We do drive each other nuts, and with that, it’s a miracle we get along as well as we do!
4. Share a Garden Tool, something meaningful you learned in this week’s study.
I like a tidy garden. I rake up the dead leaves to keep molds and funguses from overwhelming my plants. I prune the dead wood back to prevent insects from using them to lay eggs! I weed the flowerbeds so my roses can take advantage of all of the water I provide and let them grow unencumbered. My tool for this week is the rake. In my own life I need to rake up the wrongs that I have not forgiven. Discard the things that encumber the Holy’s spirit’s work in my heart and life! I want to grow spiritually, free of un-forgiveness.
I was thinking about all the bodies I have tied to my back and the thought occurred to me that perhaps the “heaviest” of those added burdens is my own “body”. I have discovered through reading various portions of this study as well as hearing it preached that we cannot truly love (and therefore forgive) someone unless we love ourselves. For years, I’ve not “loved” myself and certainly haven’t forgiven myself for the appalling mistakes I’ve made. But I realize God has forgiven me and if He can I should be able to. I will have to continue to pray about this and work diligently on it, because I find it so hard to pardon these sins. But hopefully this study will help. And allow me then to have more patience with not only myself but all those with whom I come in contact.
Starting on page 123, Beth listed 11 reasons why we must not judge others. Which reason has the most meaning for you and why?
The reason to not judge others that resonated with me was, “We don’t know the whole truth.” It is so easy to be quick to judge and it is so easy to look the fool, when all the facts come out. As Beth stated, “We may think we have all the facts, but we are incapable of reading minds or judging hearts.”
I find I tend to micro-manage my relationships with my children and things I may see them go through I tend to want to fix or can be quick to intervene with some thoughts about how my daughters or son should handle it (judging them if, they do not handle it in a manner that I believe to be in the appropriate manner) What I failed to recognize is the Lord may be allowing a circumstance or situation for their growth and development. By, judging them I am judging Him and meddling in that which is not intended for me. I have learned that the best thing to do is step back apply guidance, compassion, and understanding. The Lord is the Judge and I, as the mom, friend, wife, sister, etc is to provide support, compassion, and love.
1. God’s glory will shine through this and if I persevere, my husband’s relationship with Christ will grow.
2. We do not know the whole truth-sometimes I jump to conclusions and I’ve been on the other side of it too, where others have judged me because they didn’t know the whole truth- It hurts…
And when we judge others we are judging God: I know that I do not have the right to judge God and He created us in His image;and He is the only judge.
3. Hmm…this one is a hard question…I need to think a little more on this one…
4. a) Hope in the Lord through every trial and persevere. His glory will shine no matter what: if we do (shine) or not.
b) God is patient with so much. In comparison, what I am called to be patient with is smaller than the smallest grain of sand. Lord thank You for Your great patience.
c) I just keep going back to the plank in my eye: I have no justification in judging others: I need to practice patience and stop my judgmental thoughts of others.
d) Forgive those who sin against me. I have some unforgiveness to deal with. Thank You God for the forgiveness You have given me. I know forgiving does not make what happened ok, but I kinow that through forgiveness YOU make me ok.
e) Forgive and ask for forgiveness. Remember God forgives even the deepest/darkest sin- Have patience and do your best to forgive the same.
I have struggled with being an incredibly jealous person for a long time, and I always wondered if that is considered being judgemental. I know jealousy in itself is wrong, but how do you stop yourself from thinking that you need to be like someone else. I just feel like I am longing to be able to just look at another woman and have an “acceptance” of her without any thoughts of wanting to change myself. I feel like I have pretty well accepted everything about myself and who I am, but at the same time I have what feels like an uncontorlable urge to change myself. I have prayed and prayed for understanding and to be given the ability to love without judgment, but I just haven’t quite succeeded in finding a solution. Maybe I need to start praising God more for every person that I meet. Just start repeating “thank you God for this person exactly as they are…thank you for me, just as I am.”
You are not alone Sara. I feel that way as well at times: I have alot of pride issues also, and I’m praying hard about these strongholds in my life. I think one of my biggest things is being “nice” when something good happens to someone else and not me, when maybe I was or have been hoping for it to happen to me…Acceptance of my peers without judging them or myself; big issue for me, and my opinion, for many women.
And right now, I’m gonna praise God for YOU girl! Thank you for sharing your heart with us! Thank You Jesus for this discussion, so that we may learn from one another! I’ll be praying for you Sara! Again, thank you for sharing: you ministered to me today! God bless!
Thank you so much! After writing this post last night, I asked God for more in helping me understand why this is a part of my life, yet thanked Him because I know He is always working for good. And an amazing thing happened…I went to babysit my friend’s boys this morning and on her coffee table was a book by Beth Moore called “So Long Insecurites”. I could not put it down and was crying after about 15 minutes of reading it. I urge you to read it…it will help you understand so much about about yourself and why we as women do and think some of the things we do and how God is using that in our lives. (I’m going to buy it today.) I know I am jealous because I am insecure, and I now know where my insecurity is coming from. Always remember, The battle is not ours, it’s God’s, we just have to allow Him to fight it for us and pray for the patience and strength to do what He needs us to do.
I have that book also and I’m waiting to read it. Beth Moore led a bible study of the book on her blog. I suggest you read the book and also follow her study on it, this is the link:
http://blog.lproof.org/2010/01/so-long-insecurity-discussion-group-3.html
I have thought about buying that book many times and I may do just that. Thank you very much for the encouragement and support! I love how God has used this discussion board and how we are able to minister to one another. I have saved that link to Beth Moore’s discussion of the book, and plan to check it out after work. Thank you ladies so much. Praying for you!
1.Trials~ As my husband is still not actively working, we are challenged daily financially. My hope is God’s promise to meet our needs regardless if it is the very last minute. We are constantly reminded to not focus on our bills but to seek God’s face daily.
I cling to Hebrews 13:5- Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “ I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.
2.Judging others~ #3 and #11 stood out the most to me. We do not know the whole truth. Why is it that we think we know but in reality we don’t know a thing.
Judging by human standards give absolutely no heavenly perspective. That one is a big one for me.
3.Family issues/problems is a big rope. My husband’s immediate family has been a big heavy rope since we have been married. My issue is if I forgive and “give in” we will just go back to the same cycle that started 8 years ago. A constant prayer for me on how to deal with it. My husband’s grandmother is ill. I will soon face this issue soon.
4. Share a Garden Tool, something meaningful you learned in this week’s study. Beginning on page 123 and ending on page 125. The six reasons not to judge others.