Day 5: Fruit of the Spirit Series

Patience--How Can I Get It??

1 Corinthians 13:4-5   Love is patient, love is kind...it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

In the process of raising three children and being married for almost forty years (to the same man LOL), I have experienced both joy and hurt.  Unfortunately, nurturing and maintaining relationships with others can be quite challenging. Since we are all human and, therefore, imperfect, we will do or say things that can hurt.......

In today's scripture, love is said to be PATIENT, KIND, NOT EASILY ANGERED, and KEEPS NO RECORD OF WRONG.  Wouldn't it be great if these words would instantly pop into our heads when we are dealing with the frustration that we often face with our dealings with individuals on a DAILY basis? 

Since God knew that in this world we WOULD have trouble, He included examples of individuals in the Bible who faced great difficulty BUT stood firm in their beliefs and responded to their situations in a Godly manner. My Pastor often states that we cannot control every circumstance we face BUT we can control our response to it. 

I believe that Job was an individual who exemplified how we should respond to our troubles, our hurts. The fourth fruit of the Holy Spirit-forbearance--is often referred to as PATIENCE. Forbearance is defined as patient self-control, restraint, and tolerance. Similarly, long-suffering is defined as self-restraint in the face of provocation. I have heard individuals with great patience described as "having the patience of Job." In a short period of time, Job loss his children, his possessions, his health and his reputation.

Job demonstrated faith and patience with God while suffering many severe trials including "accusations" from those close to him as to why he was facing his troubles and what he must have done to cause his problems. Job did not allow the circumstances or individuals in his life to sway him from his love for God. Instead, he PATIENTLY waited for His God--our God--to answer his prayers.

My challenge to you today is to exercise PATIENT self-restraint in your responses to your situation and to PATIENTLY wait upon God for help when you encounter the troubles that you will face. 

Dear Lord, Today's scripture describes love as being patient. I ask that You help me to deal with others with the loving "patience" that You have demonstrated towards me.  I also ask that You help me to exhibit patient submission to Your perfect timing in matters that I bring to You.

I thank You Jesus for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.