Colossians 3:12-13 NKJV

[12] Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; [13] bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

I am not easily offended, but I am sometimes easily irritated. If I have had a long day, or it's hot outside, or if I'm stressed... the list of reasons goes on and on. When I am irritable, I am not patient or kind. I don't behave lovingly and I am quick to complain. Nothing about those characteristics exudes the fruits of the Spirit.

I am not particularly fond of listing my faults and flaws. I feel that it is necessary to put them in the spotlight for the sake of genuine repentance and accountability. I want to be more like Christ. It's hard to do when circumstances dictate my behavior.

Lord, help me to hold myself to a higher standard than the status quo. I don't want to look and act like the rest of the world. I want the world to see Jesus in me.