DAILY DEVOTION, Oct. 22, 2021

The next fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 is “patience.” The Greek word means “long-suffering.” Christians are slow to avenge a wrong. Christians are slow to react with anger when there is disagreement. Christians bear pain and suffering without complaining. Jesus is our example. Paul writes describing himself as the “worst of sinners” so that “Jesus might display His unlimited patience (see 1 Timothy 1:15-17). If Jesus showed endless patience to the worst of sinners, we can expect Him to be patient with us!

And we return the favor to others when we are walking in the Spirit. Paul encourages us to “be patient with everyone” (1 Thessalonians 5:14). We are also admonished to be patient as we wait for the Lord’s return (James 5:8-9). Many Christians report that they struggle with patience. Remember, we cannot work up patience by our own effort.  It is a fruit of the Spirit. As we live by faith with our hearts tuned into the heart of God, the Holy Spirit will work patience in us. Maybe we should not pray for patience. Instead, we should pray that the Holy Spirit will fill us. Patience will be the result.

Father, I do want to live my life in harmony with You. As I do, I know that the fruit of the Spirit will appear in my life. When impatience pops up in my life, it is a sure sign that I have drifted from You. Forgive me and draw me back into Your presence. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.Jump to Toolbar