SPIRITUAL FRUIT: PATIENCE
Submitted by Robert G. Wilkerson, DMin.
Read Galatians 5:22-26
The fruit of the Spirit is love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. -Galatians 5:22
“Oh Lord, give me patience….and give it to me right now,” the man prayed. We may be smiling at his prayer, but if we were honest, many of us would have to confess that we have prayed the same way.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY They will know we are Christians by our patience. |
The Bible does not use the word “patience” in relation to things or events, but in relation to people. In the New Testament, it is the attitude of God toward people (Romans 2:4; 9:22; 1 Timothy 1:16). If God had been like us, He would have destroyed this world centuries ago, but His patience bears with all our sinning and will not abandon us.
In the same way, Christian patience is the grace of a person who could take revenge and does not, the person who is slow to anger. In our relationships with others, we must show this loving, self-restraining, forgiving, and patient attitude that God shows toward us.
Christianity did not spread through the ancient world by the example of people who were violent, arguers, complainers or revenge takers. It spread like wildfire due to the example of people who were meek, loving, kind and patient—in other words, people like Jesus.
We need to examine our lives in relation to patience. Are we as patient as God wants us to be? If not, it’s alright to pray for it—just don’t add “right now.”
Prayer: Oh Lord, help us to be patient.
Prayer Focus: THOSE WHO LACK PATIENCE
Contact Dr
. Wilkerson at (205) 681-8711, drbobwilkerson@bellsouth.net, or visit his website at www.drrobertgwilkerson.com