I know this may sound like a play with words but I have found myself meditating, praying and seeking God’s wisdom regarding being sick or S.I.C.? When I say S.I.C., I am referring to an acronym I use to describe a Sister in Christ, a woman who edifies, encourages and intercedes on a fellow sister’s behalf. I have found few S.I.C women but have encountered several sick women. Women who are sick with envy, jealousy, gossiping or backbiting are not exemplifying the attributes described in Galatians 5:22-23 (New International Version)
“22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. “
These are the nine attributes we should exhibit as women of God. When we walk in the Spirit we personify these fruits if not we need to check our root system. Is your heart stony, overgrown with weeds that are choking the word? If I am completely transparent there were seasons when I would find myself as a sick woman. Thank God for his grace and mercy which are new every morning and the Word of God which acts as a mirror showing me my flaws. In those intimate moments when I am worshipping God I would seek the heart of the matter. Why does being snubbed for a social gathering bother me so? Why does it matter what this lady thinks of my attire? Why should I act as president of your fan club? Yes the word tells us to rejoice with those who rejoice but what happens when there is no reciprocity. Have any of you ladies found yourself sharing good news with a sister only to be cut off midway through the joyful news so that your sister can advise her latest news which surely trumps yours?
I’ve found these scriptures most helpful when dealing with these issues:
“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you. “Proverbs 4:23-24
“As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout so is a lovely woman who lacks discretion.” Proverbs 11:22
“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18: 24
In closing I would like to share a poem that I wrote.
Tend your garden
Tend your garden-
Mind it well
Work the hard sod
Remove the stones
Uproot the weeds by the root
You seem puzzled-
You are a farmer
Your most precious plot of land
Is your heart
As you so venomously point out others shortcomings
Your own garden is in disarray
It can not produce any fruit
Love
Joy
Peace
Kindness
Gentleness
Faithfulness
Patience
Self-control
Your harsh words stem from the root
The root cause of your stony garden
The issues that you’ve held on to for far too long
Oh you ask about my garden
Glad you asked
I’ve tilled it through prayer and fasting
I’ve watered it with my tears
I’ve planted seeds of kindness
I’m reaping a harvest overflowing
For those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.