I Will Strengthen Thee

"And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins" 2 Peter 1:59

It's pretty clear what we expected to do and how we are supposed to treat others.

"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;" Colossians 3:12

Many years ago I truly wanted to change some undesirable behaviors that I suffered as flaws of habit in my character. I tried to change, but when I got frustrated, tired, or didn't feel well, I always reverted back. Guilt was my constant companion. I knew what needed changing; I needed to how to change.

"Charity suffereth long, and is kind..." 1 Corintians 13:4
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32
"See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men." 1 Thessalonians 5:15
"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another" Romans 12:10

Basically, I needed to stop being selfish and indulging in childish behavior. I deeded to think of others before myself. I needed to live more fully the faith I proclaimed. To experience peace in my heart and joy in my soul, I needed to accept Christ's ways.

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness" Isaiah 41:10

"...And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them..." 1 Nephi 17:3

Jesus has worked a miracle in my life. When I remember to spend time in His word daily, I am strengthened. My burdens of habit are removed, and I can accomplish what He has commanded me to do. I've never felt more free, while I am praying and studying deeply.