Better than Spring Rain

About this time of the year we all begin to look forward to spring. We envision the blooming of flowers, greening of grass and leaves on the trees. The soft, warm spring rains bring on the thrilling evidences of God's creative hand all around us. There are two specific evidences of spring around our house. In the back we have a Japanese red maple tree that fills the eyes with its red leaves. In the front is a huge pink azalea bush that is

so arresting that I have seen people stop out front for a few seconds to take

in its beauty.

Our lives as Christians ought to shine forth with the evidence of God's work in us as well. The outpouring of God's Spirit within us should be visible for all to see. It all begins with having become poor in spirit and having welcomed the riches of God's grace into our spiritually bankrupt lives. In so doing we establish peace with God. Then we add such qualities as meekness, righteousness, mercy and purity of heart and as a result enjoy the peace of God.

The ultimate evidence of the Holy Spirit's spring rain in us is our work of being a peacemaker. In Matthew 5:9 Jesus says, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God." Peacemaking calls attention to what God has done within us. Our peace with God and the peace of God begins to exhibit itself in making peace with those around us. Jesus further expands on this in Matthew 5:44 when he says, "...love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you, that you may be the sons of your Father in heaven..." People will recognize us and call us the sons of God when they observe our gentleness in making peace even with our enemies. This fruitfulness of the Holy Spirit's presence is better than the spring rain. So let him reign in your life and display his work to those around you.