The Fruit of Patience

If God has been trying to teach me something the last little while (and I know that He has), I believe it's been patience!  There is not a day that goes by in my life that requires more than a little of this fruit of the Spirit.  I've been reminding myself that when I ask God for more patience, He kindly presents me with situations that require it.  Yet another reason why God must have a sense of humor.  :)  But that's another story for another day!

What does the Bible say about patience?  Let's take a look...

~ "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law."  Galatians 5:22-23

~ "And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light." Colossians 1:10-12

~ "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Colossians 3:12

~ "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12

~ " Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." Ephesians 4:2

~ "And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone." 1 Thessalonians 5:14

~ "Love is patient, love is kind..." 1 Corinthians 13:4a

What can we learn about patience as a result?

Patience is a fruit that takes time to grow and blossom into something beautiful.  Developing patience does not happen overnight, even though we often wish that it would.  Exercising patience brings pleasure to the Lord.  And that, of course, is something that we want to do every day!  We should also be clothed in patience and demonstrate patience in hardships.  This is not an easy task at all, but we should definitely strive for it.  Another responsibility that we have is to pair patience with love in our interactions with each and every person that we come into contact with on a daily basis.  What a challenge that is, but it is quite rewarding when done with a cheerful and obedient heart.

I'm going to close with a wonderful prayer for patience:

"God, teach me to be patient, teach me to go slow,
Teach me how to wait on You when my way I do not know.

Teach me sweet forbearance when things do not go right
So I remain unruffled when others grow uptight.

Teach me how to quiet my racing, rising heart
So I might hear the answer You are trying to impart.

Teach me to let go, dear God, and pray undisturbed until
My heart is filled with inner peace and I learn to know your will."

- written by Helen Steiner Rice