The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Colossians 3:12-17, “And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;

13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.

14 And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.

16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”

There was a sudden dip in the weather this week, requiring all sensible people to dress more warmly. Of course, there are always some, who wish to defy common sense and dress as if it were summer. They risk illnesses. The same is true spiritually. There are required changes in the spiritual life of the true believer.

The truly born-again believer in Christ Jesus is to exhibit compassion and kindness toward others. He is to view the needs of others ahead of his own. He is to express gentleness and patience toward others. Instead of chiding a runner who cannot keep pase, he asks, “What can I do to help you run faster?”

“Bearing with someone” relates to their present offenses; “forgiving each other” relates to their past offences. Negatives have to be eliminated, no matter how severe they might have been. We don’t know what is going on in the minds and hearts of others; thus, patience is always required of us.

Love is the master key! The word here is agape. It is not an attitude we can easily produce. It is, in fact, the product of the Holy Spirit who indwells us and all true believers in Jesus Christ. It is the love Christ expressed in His death on the Cross. His love drew us to Him; now it is for His Love to unify us with others.

He undisturbed peace controls our attitude toward others, despite what they do and say against us. Umpires call out players for infractions of game rules, regardless of who the players are. Even so, the Holy Spirit calls us out for not expressing Christ’s love on all occasions. We are never out of the game!

The accomplishment of all of this (as difficult as it may seem) is rooted in the Word of Christ. We are to instruct others in His way, and correct them when they stray from that teaching –but always in a spirit of love. Do it with music that is uplifting and instructive, music that denotes thanksgiving to the LORD for His unspeakable gift of Himself for us! When we engage ourselves with the Word, our expressions to and toward others will be honoring and glorifying to Him. Praise the LORD for His ongoing and unspeakable gifts!

We pray for you daily, and sincerely appreciate your prayers for Rose Marie at this time,

Nana & Dado III

P. S. Rose Marie is doing better right along. Her spirits have always been high, despite the

circumstances. The intubation tube has been removed, she always says “Thank you”

to doctors and nurses who give her assistance. Her sense of humor is now outwardly

expressed, and her room in ICU has taken on a loving, spiritual glow. Opportunities

to witness abound to doctors, nurses, therapists and all. Praise the LORD!

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”