The life and trials of a growing Christian-Day Eight

1 Corinthians 9:19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more.
These are the words of the Apostle Paul, who was once called Saul of Tarsus before he received Jesus on the road to Damascus. Paul was an incredible servant to our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. He was beaten, shipwrecked, stoned, imprisoned, suffered cold and hunger, and ultimately gave his life for the gospel of Jesus! Every time I think of this verse, I feel shame. I want to witness to every one I come into contact with but fall so short. I love Jesus but am having a hard time loving my fellow man. That doesn't mean that I don't do anything, but it does mean that I'm not doing nearly enough. I know! Works don't get anybody to Heaven but James says in 2:17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.18 But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
So, works are a byproduct of faith. Instead of getting aggravated and irritated with people, I need to learn to empathize with them so I can understand them and then serve them, and while serving them I can witness to them and show them the love of Christ. It might work, it might get me laughed at or taken advantage of, but if it's for the sake of the cross, it's worth it. So, In my prayers, I need to ask God for patience, understanding, wisdom, perseverance, and a heart to serve others. I need to pray for Him to soften my heart and help me to love my fellow man. Jesus said that the two most important commandments are to Love the Lord thy God with ALL your heart, mind, and soul and to love thy neighbor as thyself.