Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
The MacArthur Study Bible: “patience. The ability to endure injuries inflicted by others and the willingness to accept irritating or painful situations.”
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 “Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools.”
James 5:7-11 “Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.”
God commands His children to be patient, and that patience is demonstrated in many different ways. We must be patient in teaching and correcting others, in dealing with our enemies, while enduring trials and tribulations, and even in dealing with other believers and close friends.
I am definitely not a patient person by nature… but I can usually tell when I am being impatient, especially towards other people. This week, I will try to make the extra effort to control any impatience I feel in my heart.
Whatever your struggle, make a point of pausing before you speak or act. Exhibit patience as Christ commanded in Ephesians 4:1-3 “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
And for all who walk through trials, may we open our hearts to God’s Word and be comforted, knowing that while we must patiently endure, He is working for our good, and has promised us a beautiful reward as it says in Colossians 1:9-14:
“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
He won’t leave us here; His hand will guide as all the way through life’s journey, and finally home to His throne.
Even when we stumble and fall along the way, He is faithful. Let’s be thankful that He is always so very patient toward us.
*“My soul with patience waits
For Thee, the living Lord:
My hopes are on Thy promise built,
Thy never failing Word.
“My longing eyes look out
For Thy enlivening ray,
More duly than the morning watch
To spy the dawning day.”
*William H. Walter
The Misplaced Mom 
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