Christ desires us to bring forth the fruits of a holy life, i.e., He wishes us gradually to improve, to grow more just and charitable in our dealings with others, more humble and severe in judging ourselves. Do those who call themselves Christians invariably display these characteristics? If you are uncharitable, irritable, untrustworthy, harsh toward others, self-satisfied and self-indulgent, there is much reason to fear that your profession of Christianity is vain, and that you do not possess the Holy Spirit and are not united with Christ in the Spirit.
Knud Karl Krogh-Tonning (+1911), Norwegian theologian, convert from Lutherinism
Note that we are encouraged to "gradually improve." God is patient with us giving us a model of how to be patient with others. I plan to read this every day this week as an examination of conscience. Lord, bless this week and make each of us better at the end of it than we were at the beginning.
Thank you Mary Ann for this wonderful reminder of how we are to be. I’m going to read it slowly to my three oldest grandchildren as they were in bickering moods again today. Breathe in deep exhale slowly repeat……again…..once more….ugh.
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