The Lord speaks in Galatians 5:22 of several fruits of the spirit. We’ve discussed a few of them so far. But the fruit that we are talking of today is the one that I struggle with exhibiting more than any of the others.
I’m a go go go kind of girl. I like things to be done quickly and my way…right….no way to correct that one really. I struggle with feelings of having to live up to a certain standard of perfection. And anyone who has this same struggle knows that patience and perfection are not the best of friends.
A couple of years ago, I was blessed to be able to participate in a bible study with the ladies of my church. This particular study was written by my very favorite women’s ministry author, Beth Moore. The study was titled, “Living Beyond Yourself – Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit”. I am not exaggerating one iota when I tell you that this study changed my life. One of the (paraphrased) statements made by Beth during the video sessions is when she tells us that there are certain people the Lord has placed in our lives SPECIFICALLY to help us cultivate patience. And man, are they doing that job well!
I sometimes feel that my children are the way they are specifically to help me cultivate patience…..anyone feeling me??
But I also learned during that study that “patience is the release of the fruit of the Spirit; it is the supernatural outcome of being filled with the Holy Spirit….Patience is the vessel through which God pours His mercy. Mercy is fueled by forgiveness.” Beth Moore
What does this say to you? To me it indicates that in order for me to be a recipient of God’s mercy, I must practice patience. Because, ultimately, who has been more patient with me than the Lord himself?? I must not judge others, because I am definitely nowhere close to being perfect. To judge others is to judge God. And I certainly don’t want to be guilty of that!
Let us remember to be patient with our children and our spouses today. Patience doesn’t come naturally to us, so it is something that we must be intentional in seeking.
“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
Hallelujah!!
Living In His Blessings 
Patience is something I really struggle with. I never thought of myself as an impatient person until I had kids and then I was like, “whoa, chill out!” to myself. It is a daily struggle but something that I believe is extremely important and a fruit I desperately want to bear. I think I need to check out that book!