Fruit of the Spirit Series - Galatians 5:22-23 (Patience)
What we have learned so far...
In a department store one day, a young father was trying his best to care for his unhappy infant while his wife, the baby's mother, was making a purchase at the front of the store. The infant was crying loudly, but the father responded calmly as he quietly said, "It's okay, Bobby, it'll be okay."
An older woman passing by remarked, "Sir, I must congratulate you on your patience with young Bobby here. You seem to know just how to speak to your baby." The young father answered, "Mam, you don't understand. I'm Bobby!"
Patience is not always easy! But it is what our Lord expects of us. Furthermore, we have every reason in the world to aspire for patience. For example, the Book of James teaches us that through patience we attain spiritual maturity (James 1:3-5), moral victory (James 1:12), and personal prosperity (James 5:7).
So desire patience--but remember (from Sunday's sermon): Don't Pray for Patience !
Instead--
*Pray for prudence (Which means to act wisely--pray God will enable you to act wisely...prudently in your situation).
* Practice dependence (On the Holy Spirit--The Fruit of the Spirit is not self induced, but Spirit produced).
*Pursue abundance (The totality of the Fruit of the Spirit--since each of the character traits affects the other traits. For example, peace influences patience).
Our culture excuses us when it comes to patience, yet Scripture challenges us to live with patience. Which of these will have a greater influence in determining your response to life?
See you Sunday as we continue our series and explore the subject of kindness.
Have a Blessed Day, Pastor Ron |