Colossians 3:12

So, as God’s own chosen people, who are holy (set apart, sanctified for His purpose) and well-beloved (by God Himself), put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (which has the power to endure whatever injustice or unpleasantness comes, with good temper).

This world is not saved and is motivated by evil thoughts, feelings, and desires. Christians are set apart and are to live lives that are opposite to the world. When we operate from a heart of compassion, kindness, patience, and gentleness, we will attract people to Christ. There will be times when unpleasantness comes, and we need to practice endurance because we have been given the power.

Ephesians 4:2-3

With all humility (forsaking self-righteousness) and gentleness (maintaining self-control) with patience, bearing with one another in (unselfish) love. Make every effort to keep the oneness of the Spirit in the bond of peace (each individual working together to make the whole world successful).

Paul is addressing the church on how to treat one another. He reminds us that there may be friction in our relationships with other people in the church. We are to keep a bond of peace and love. Everyone has things going on in their lives that affect behavior. 

Ephesians 4:1

So I, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to you to live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called (that is, to live a life that exhibits godly character, moral courage, personal integrity, and mature behavior-a life that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation).

If we are surface Christians, we will not be mindful of what we say, act, or do. In short, we will behave just like the world. We are to exhibit godly character, moral courage, personal integrity, and mature behavior. A person seeking salvation needs to see our representation as authentic. Otherwise, salvation and Jesus will not represent a better way. 

Psalm 73:26

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the rock and strength of my heart and my portion forever.

God never intends us to pushes ourselves to the breaking point. God wants to be the rock and strength of our hearts. When we go beyond God we go beyond His plans for our lives. We stress ourselves trying to climb a mountain that was never the plan in the first place. 

Matthew 25:32-33

All the nations will be gathered before Him (for judgement); and He will separate them from one another, as a shepherd separates his sheep from the goats; and He will put the sheep on His right (the place of honor) and the goats on His left (the place of rejection).

As Christians we know judgement is coming. There are others who do not know the Lord or the hope of Salvation. Why we are still here on this earth we can pray for the lost and reach out to those we know who are not saved. We can be kind and not act like the world. We can show love when others hate as we represent Jesus here on earth. 

John 8:30

Jesus answered, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, everyone who practices sin habitually is a slave to sin.

Sin will put a hook into the flesh and the soul to keep a person trapped and tormented. A person will find it harder to draw near to God the deeper they go into sin. Sin hinders God hearing our prayers. The bible says flee from sin because the life depends on it. It does! Repent quickly of any sin and get right back under the protection of God. 

John 7:38

He who believes in Me (who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Me) as the Scripture has said, “From his inner most being will flow continually rivers of living water.”

Living water means brings fresh renewal daily. All that is full of life and health comes from living water. When we become steadfast in our dedication to God and the word we will flourish. But we must believe in Jesus. We cannot waiver or delay the choice. 

James 1:3

Be assured that the testing of your faith (through experience) produces endurance (leading to spiritual maturity and inner peace).

Maturing as a Christian is important because we don’t want to have to deal with the same problems repeatedly. Our faith success reminds us that we can succeed with the word. God will keep guiding and leading us forward and we will grow. We become solid, steadfast built up on the foundation of the Word. 

James 1:6

But he must ask (for wisdom) in faith, without doubting (God’s willingness to help), for the one who doubts is like a billowing surge of the sea that is blown about and tossed by the wind. 

We will doubt if we don’t know the promises of God. We will doubt if we haven’t discerned the voice of the enemy in our heads and take his suggestion as our thoughts. We will doubt if we don’t cast down the thoughts in the name of Jesus and believe the lie over the truth of the word. The wisdom and faith are ours and a promise of God, but we must take that promise by faith. 

Mathew 21-22

And whatever you ask for in prayer, believing, you will receive. 

When our faith and prayers line up with the word of God we will receive our answers. When we diligently seek the Lord and His promises our faith will strengthen and grow. Mountain moving faith can happen with a mustard seed when planted in fertile ground of our spirits. It depends on whether we value the Word or the world.