When we are filled with the righteousness of God, His righteousness will flow out of our lives and affect the way we treat others.  He has made us a new creation, a new man, that bears the likeness of Jesus Christ and walks in righteousness.  We are called to walk as Jesus walked on this earth, sowing seeds of goodness where others sow evil. "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21).  And He has filled us with His Holy Spirit so that we can live a pure and holy life and respond to others in the same manner as Jesus Christ.  "...I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.  Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:1-3).  

We are blessed if we can keep our appetite for heavenly manna when we are surrounded by so many temptations in this world that war for our taste buds and seek to satisfy our natural carnal desire.  The fruit of the Spirit is long-suffering, because only God can provide what we need to courageously endure in the face of so much opposition.  The patient, long-suffering believer is one who demonstrates the kindness and gentleness of Jesus, even when they face the most offensive and evil attacks.  They are able to stand firm and trust themselves completely to the protection of the Lord, allowing Him to be their advocate and come to their defense.  "For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God...To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in His steps...When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats.  Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly" (1 Peter 2:19, 21, 23).  Jesus became man to show us what God expected man to be and how he should act.  Jesus provided us the example we are to follow.  Let us pray for every member of the body of Christ to be instruments of righteousness and not weapons for evil.  May we work together to build others up and not tear each other down; presenting to the world a united front of humility and gentleness, and who waits on God to fight our battles.  May we see that our willingness to patiently endure without any thought of retribution in the face of persecution, gives our Lord the opportunity to do His work in other peoples lives.  Let us pray that we will trust Him to come to our rescue at the appointed time, but more importantly that He will rescue all those around us who are perishing in their sins.  May we be a help, not a hindrance, to their being delivered and saved.  Lord, restore to Your church a burden for lost souls. "Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation" (2 Peter 3:15a).  "He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (v.9b).