Gentleness

Today at Agape we continued our series on the fruits of the spirit, this time focusing on gentleness (Prautes in Greek). We began by discussing conceptions of the idea of gentleness. Then we examined a couple scriptures from the Gospel to examine the biblical meaning of Prautes, and how Jesus exhibits this fruit. In the study we found connections between meekness and compassion, between an ability to bear with others in love and the ability to see through God's perspective. We realized that it is not out of a quashing of our true emotions but out of a release to the spirit of God that we will become gentle. We prayed for more patience to wait upon God (more space in our lives to allow God's spirit to work in us) and for God's compassion to live in us and bring us to see and act from God's perspective.

Our congregation is growing as a supportive family of believers each week! Please pray for the mutual love and bearing with each other to continue to grow!

The Gift of Peace

Every Sunday morning at Agape, we go around the circle introducing ourselves by saying our names an answering a question. This past Sunday, the question was: "What is one of your favorite gifts that you've received from someone"? The answers varied: my family, my children, my life, my God, my guitar, my peace. Can peace be a gift? Agape congregants sure think so. As they live lives rife with addiction, unemployment, and homelessness, peace is hard to come by; therefore, when peace is found and received, it is indeed a gift. In John 14:23-27, Jesus offers his followers peace: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." According to Jesus, peace is available. We just need to come to him and ask. Paul writes in Phillipians that this peace "transcends understanding," and it will "guard our hearts and minds." After the Bible Study, some prayed to receive this wonderful peace. May the Lord provide. May the Lord fulfill his promise to grant us this great gift.