I'm His Favorite & You're His Favorite

I was sitting at Starbucks at seven in the morning just spending time with God... journaling (praying).  I always start off by asking God (whichever person of the Trinity I feel like that day) where He wants to go.  This is always so much fun because we go to the most random places: boardrooms in skyscrapers, mountain tops, hammocks on the beach, huge fields, etc.  This time it was a mountain top, a place to breathe deeply and sit back and relax.  A place I really needed.  So while we're chilling and looking at the awesome scenery, I simply asked, "Jesus, what do you want to say to me today?"  He began to talk to me about who I am in Him and that I am only responsible for my behavior/attitude and everyone else is responsible for theirs. A lesson that He has been diligently teaching me for quite some time now.

So we dialogue back and forth a bit more.  I'm asking questions, and He's answering them.  I feel it's important to note that this kind of conversation between me and the Lord doesn't always happen this clearly and easily.  Sometimes I don't hear anything...so don't get disappointed or feel rejected if He's quiet sometimes.  Just trust Him, He knows best.

He began to speak to me about relationships and how to love people.  All of His sons and daughters are of equal value to Him.  We are all His favorite.  This is a truth that we must receive and live out daily, and we should treat others with the understanding that they are also God's favorite.  He led me to Galatians and the Fruit of the Spirit, and He showed me ways that I can live out each one in my relationships:

1. Love | assume the best about everyone instead of hidden motives
2. Joy | lighten up and enjoy Me
3. Peace | be calming and refreshing for others
4. Patience | slow to frustration, everyone is on a journey
5. Kindness | serve with a smile
6. Goodness | prefer others
7. Faithfulness | consistency, not flaky or two sided
8. Gentleness | non-abrasive, speak truth in love and humility
9. Self control | take thoughts captive and spend time with Me

For some of you this may seem like a no-brainer, but for me this was huge.  You can hear things over and over from friends, family, pastors, etc., but there's just something special about God saying it to you.  What have you been talking to God about?  Try asking His advice instead of a family member or a friend.  His response might surprise you.